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Kenya’s Nathaniel Manyeki Wins Gold at 2025 African Youth Chess Championship

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Kenya’s Nathaniel Manyeki Wins Gold at 2025 African Youth Chess Championship

Kenyan chess prodigy Nathaniel Manyeki has claimed the gold medal in the Under-11 category at the 2025 African Youth Chess Championship, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, marking a major milestone for both the young player and Kenya’s growing presence in continental chess.

Competing against top young talents from across Africa, Manyeki impressed throughout the tournament with calm discipline and sharp strategic play. Round after round, he demonstrated maturity beyond his age, outmaneuvering opponents to finish as overall champion in his category.

Coaches and observers praised his composure under pressure and his ability to convert complex positions into decisive wins, qualities that set him apart in a highly competitive field.

The victory adds to Kenya’s rising profile in youth chess, reflecting steady investment in grassroots training and junior development across the country. In recent years, Kenyan players have increasingly made their mark at regional and continental events, and Manyeki’s triumph is seen as another strong signal of that progress.

For Manyeki, the gold medal positions him as one of the most promising young chess talents on the continent. His performance in Harare suggests a bright future ahead, with the potential to compete at higher levels and represent Kenya on the global stage in the years to come.

As celebrations continue back home, his achievement stands as both a personal success and a source of inspiration for young chess players across Kenya, proving that dedication, focus, and disciplined preparation can open doors to continental glory.

Guinea to Launch Africa’s Largest Gold Refinery, Aiming to Transform Its Mining Sector

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Guinea to Launch Africa’s Largest Gold Refinery, Aiming to Transform Its Mining Sector

Guinea is set to inaugurate the largest gold refinery in Africa with the upcoming launch of the Nimba Gold Refinery (NGR), a landmark project designed to reshape the country’s role in the global gold value chain.

The refinery will begin operations with a processing capacity of 250 tons of gold per year, with plans to expand to 500 tons annually. Once fully operational, NGR is expected to position Guinea as a regional hub for gold refining and trading.

At the heart of the project is a clear strategic goal. Guinea wants to refine its gold locally rather than exporting raw ore, thereby capturing more value from its natural resources. By doing so, the country aims to boost national revenues, create skilled jobs, and stimulate industrial growth linked to mining and metallurgy.

Government sources say the refinery will help shift Guinea away from its traditional role as a supplier of unprocessed minerals toward becoming a producer of high-value refined gold for international markets. This transition is expected to strengthen foreign exchange earnings and improve fiscal stability.

 

Beyond economic gains, the Nimba Gold Refinery is also part of a broader push for greater sovereignty over the mining sector. By developing local refining capacity, Guinea seeks tighter control over production, traceability, and exports, reducing losses from smuggling and informal trade while improving transparency across the industry.

 

The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, ranging from refinery operations and logistics to support services, while also encouraging technology transfer and skills development for Guinean workers.

 

Officials describe the refinery as a cornerstone of Guinea’s industrialization drive and a signal of its ambition to become a major player in Africa’s precious metals sector, alongside established producers such as Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

 

Images released by the Présidence de la République de Guinée show the scale of the development, underscoring the government’s commitment to seeing the project through.

 

With the Nimba Gold Refinery, Guinea is betting on value addition as the path to long-term wealth creation, stronger institutions, and a more resilient economy. As construction nears completion, expectations are high that the facility will mark a new chapter in the country’s mining history.

Bombing of ISIS Terrorists: Halt Military Cooperation with U.S. Immediately, Gumi Tells FG

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Bombing of ISIS Terrorists: Halt Military Cooperation with U.S. Immediately, Gumi Tells FG

Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Mahmud Gumi, has called on the Federal Government to immediately suspend all military cooperation with the United States following reported airstrikes against ISIS terrorist elements on Nigerian soil.

 

In a statement reacting to the development, Gumi expressed strong opposition to foreign military involvement in Nigeria’s security operations, warning that such actions could further complicate the country’s fragile security situation.

 

He argued that allowing external forces to carry out strikes within Nigeria undermines national sovereignty and could expose the country to wider geopolitical consequences. According to him, counterterrorism efforts should be driven and controlled solely by Nigerian authorities who understand the local terrain and social dynamics.

 

Gumi also cautioned that foreign intervention, especially by global powers like the United States, often comes with long-term strategic interests that may not always align with Nigeria’s national priorities.

 

“The Federal Government should halt any form of military cooperation with the United States immediately,” he said, stressing that Nigeria must not become a battleground for international power struggles under the guise of fighting terrorism.

 

While acknowledging the need to confront extremist groups such as ISIS, the cleric maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a combination of security action, dialogue, and addressing the root causes of insurgency, including poverty, injustice, and marginalization.

 

He urged the government to invest more in strengthening local intelligence, community engagement, and the capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces, rather than relying on foreign air power.

 

The call comes amid reports that Nigerian intelligence played a key role in recent U.S. airstrikes targeting ISIS-linked terrorists, a claim earlier disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who described the operation as part of a joint effort to combat terrorism and protect innocent Nigerians.

 

Gumi’s position adds to the growing debate over the role of foreign partners in Nigeria’s security architecture, as the government balances the urgency of defeating terrorism with concerns over sovereignty and public perception.

It’s Nigeria That Provided the Intelligence: Tuggar Says U.S. Airstrike Is Proof of Strong Joint War on Terror

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It’s Nigeria That Provided the Intelligence: Tuggar Says U.S. Airstrike Is Proof of Strong Joint War on Terro

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has revealed that Nigerian intelligence services played a central role in the recent United States airstrike targeting terrorist elements, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing security cooperation between both countries.

 

Speaking on the development, Tuggar said the strike was the result of close coordination between Nigerian authorities and their American counterparts, built on shared intelligence and a common resolve to curb terrorism and protect innocent lives.

 

According to the minister, Nigeria has long sought deeper operational collaboration with the United States and other international partners to confront the growing threat posed by extremist groups. He noted that the latest action reflects years of engagement and trust between both governments.

 

“This is what we have always been hoping for, to work closely with the Americans and other countries to combat terrorism and stop the death of innocent Nigerians,” Tuggar said.

 

He described the development as a clear vindication of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, especially in the face of criticism from those who believed the government was slow or inactive in addressing the country’s security challenges.

 

“This is a vindication of the Tinubu administration for those who thought there was foot dragging or that the government was not doing enough,” he added.

 

Tuggar disclosed that he held an extensive 19-minute phone conversation with the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, during which both sides discussed the intelligence inputs and the next steps in the joint operation.

 

“We spoke extensively and agreed that I would speak with President Tinubu to give the go-ahead,” he said. “We also agreed that the statement that would follow would clearly show that this was a strike against terrorism, part of an ongoing joint operation between Nigeria and the United States.”

 

The foreign affairs minister stressed that the operation must not be misinterpreted or politicized, making it clear that it had no religious undertone.

 

“This has nothing to do with religion. It is about protecting Nigerians,” Tuggar emphasized.

 

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships in intelligence sharing, surveillance, and counterterrorism operations, noting that such cooperation is critical to restoring peace in communities affected by violent extremism.

 

The disclosure places Nigeria at the center of the intelligence effort behind the U.S. action and signals a renewed phase of security collaboration under the Tinubu administration, as the government intensifies efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and safeguard lives across the country.

Seven Hospitalised as Lagos Island Plaza Fire Damages Nearby Buildings

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Seven Hospitalised as Lagos Island Plaza Fire Damages Nearby Buildings

At least seven people have been hospitalised following a major fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, which also caused extensive damage to nearby buildings, including the Radio Nigeria premises.

 

The incident occurred in the commercial heart of Lagos Island, triggering panic among traders, workers, and residents in the area as thick smoke billowed into the sky and flames spread through parts of the multi-storey plaza.

 

Eyewitnesses said the fire started in the early hours and quickly escalated, fueled by combustible materials within the building. Emergency responders, including officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, were mobilised to the scene and worked for several hours to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading further.

 

According to preliminary reports, seven victims who suffered from smoke inhalation and minor injuries were rescued from the building and rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention. Their conditions were described as stable at the time of filing this report.

 

Several surrounding structures were affected by the blaze, with parts of nearby offices and shops sustaining heat and smoke damage. The Radio Nigeria building, located close to the scene, was among the facilities impacted, raising concerns over the safety of public infrastructure in densely populated business districts.

 

Officials of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said efforts were focused on rescue operations, securing the area, and assessing the extent of damage. Firefighters eventually brought the situation under control, though cooling operations continued to prevent a resurgence.

 

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, authorities have launched an investigation to establish its origin and assess compliance with safety standards in the affected buildings.

 

The incident once again highlights the vulnerability of aging commercial structures on Lagos Island and the urgent need for improved fire safety measures, regular inspections, and public awareness to prevent future disasters.

 

Residents and business owners have been advised to remain cautious, cooperate with emergency officials, and report any hazards as recovery and assessment efforts continue.

FG Partners Social Media Firms to Tackle Terrorist Accounts — NCTC

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FG Partners Social Media Firms to Tackle Terrorist Accounts — NCTC

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified efforts to combat terrorism and criminal networks online, with plans to work closely with major social media companies to identify and remove accounts linked to extremist groups.

 

This was disclosed by Adamu Laka, Director-General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during an end-of-year briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Laka said the collaboration is aimed at disrupting how terrorists and criminal gangs use digital platforms for recruitment, radicalisation, propaganda, fundraising, and coordination of attacks. He noted that as security operations tighten on the ground, many groups have shifted their activities to cyberspace, making online surveillance and cooperation with tech companies critical to national security.

 

According to him, the NCTC is engaging both local and international social media firms to ensure faster detection and takedown of harmful content and accounts, while also improving information sharing between platforms and Nigerian security agencies.

 

“The digital space has become a major battlefield in the fight against terrorism. These groups exploit social media to spread fear, attract followers, and mobilise resources. We are determined to deny them that space,” Laka said.

 

He explained that the initiative forms part of a broader counterterrorism strategy that includes intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency coordination, and capacity building across the armed forces, intelligence services, and law enforcement bodies.

 

The NCTC boss added that Nigeria is also working with regional and international partners to strengthen cyber monitoring and align its approach with global best practices in countering violent extremism online.

 

Laka assured Nigerians that while the government is committed to safeguarding lives and property, the collaboration with social media companies will be guided by the law and respect for citizens’ rights, stressing the importance of balancing security needs with responsible digital governance.

 

He called on members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious online activities and accounts, noting that community participation remains vital in the fight against terrorism.

 

The Federal Government, he said, remains resolute in deploying all available tools, both physical and digital, to curb the spread of violent extremism and ensure a safer Nigeria.

Reclaiming the Iyami: Unlearning Fear and Restoring the Primordial Mothers in Yoruba Thought

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Reclaiming the Iyami: Unlearning Fear and Restoring the Primordial Mothers in Yoruba Thought

Reclaiming the Iyami: Unlearning Fear and Restoring the Primordial Mothers in Yoruba Thought

 

By Titilola Damilola

 

In Yoruba cosmology, Awọn Iyami, often called Iyami Aje, are the primordial mothers. They embody the original feminine force of creation, balance, and correction. They are custodians of cosmic order, not figures of casual malice. Yet, over time, their image has been reduced to something darker, misunderstood, and feared.

 

The label of “witches” was not born from within Yoruba spiritual thought. It was imposed through colonial and missionary lenses that could not comprehend a form of feminine power that stood autonomous, unmediated by male prophets, priests, or institutions. Any power that could not be controlled was quickly named, judged, and condemned.

Growing up, many of us encountered the Iyami through popular Yoruba films such as Eran Iya Osogbo, Koto Aye, and similar classics. In those stories, the Iyami were almost always portrayed as wicked forces, figures of darkness, women to be feared. As children, we absorbed these images quietly. They settled into our minds before we had the language or depth to question them. Even then, a simple thought lingered. Were there no good Iyami at all?

 

Those early films did more than entertain. They shaped perception. Deeply influenced by missionary Christianity, Pentecostal theology, and colonial morality, filmmakers borrowed spiritual language from Yoruba cosmology but interpreted it through a rigid Christian good-versus-evil framework. In that retelling, balance became wickedness. Correction became punishment. Cosmic law became revenge.

 

The Iyami, a complex force of order and equilibrium, were reduced to villains. Villains sell fear, and fear sells movies. In the process, feminine spiritual power was linked with evil, and elder women were cast as threats. Repeated again and again on screen, these images hardened into what many came to accept as cultural truth.

 

Yet, this picture is incomplete.

 

In authentic Yoruba tradition, the Iyami are not villains. They are primordial mothers, custodians of balance, correction, and order. The same force that nurtures life also holds the authority to discipline it. This does not make that force evil. It makes it lawful. It reflects a universe governed by principles, where creation and correction are two sides of the same sacred duty.

 

What the films rarely showed were the Iyami as protectors, as guardians of lineage, as enforcers of justice, and as stabilizers of the moral world. Fear was presented without context. And fear without understanding easily becomes prejudice.

 

With maturity and deeper engagement with Yoruba cosmology, it becomes clear how much of what we thought we knew had been filtered through lenses that were never truly ours. Colonial religion could not tolerate a vision of power that rested in women without male oversight. So it distorted it. Over time, that distortion entered our stories, our films, and our subconscious.

 

Perhaps the work before us now is gentle unlearning. To ask better questions. To tell fuller stories. Especially about our mothers.

 

When balance is understood, power no longer appears frightening. And when power is understood, women no longer need to be demonised.

 

Ìrẹ o.

Five Killed, 35 Injured in Suicide Bombing at Maiduguri Mosque

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Five Killed, 35 Injured in Suicide Bombing at Maiduguri Mosque

Five worshippers have been confirmed dead and at least 35 others injured following a suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamborun Market, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

 

The Borno State Police Command said the attack occurred when a suicide bomber infiltrated the mosque during prayers and detonated an improvised explosive device, causing casualties among worshippers inside the premises.

 

Nahum Daso, the police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the figures in a statement, noting that the injured victims were immediately evacuated to hospitals across Maiduguri, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.

 

According to him, operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit were swiftly deployed to the scene, alongside other security agencies. The team cordoned off the area and carried out a thorough sweep of the vicinity to rule out the presence of secondary explosive devices and prevent further harm to residents.

 

Daso added that the area has since been secured, while investigations have commenced to determine the identity of the attacker and possible links to terror networks operating in the region.

 

The attack has heightened concerns over security in Maiduguri, a city that has endured years of insurgent violence. Residents described scenes of panic and confusion as worshippers and traders fled the market area following the explosion.

 

The police command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and urged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest security post. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to sustaining efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

 

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Religion and Romance: How Lagos Turned Itself Into the Numero Uno Year-End Destination in Africa 

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Religion and Romance: How Lagos Turned Itself Into the Numero Uno Year-End Destination in Africa 

Please fact-check me: Ten years ago, the biggest tourist attraction in Nigeria was Prophet TB Joshua’s Synagogue Church of All Nations. Ten years later, it is Detty December.

 

At the height of Joshua’s SCOAN, as the top draw for foreign tourists to Nigeria, international airlines flying into Nigeria adjusted their schedules because of the Synagogue’s activities.

 

Please assume I am lying and fact-check me.

 

Lagos State learnt from what happens around the world. Two Rs are the biggest drivers of tourism worldwide: Religion and Romance.

 

You see, Sigmund Freud, the greatest psychoanalyst who ever lived, said man’s greatest urges are the God urge and the “life instinct”, of which our sexual instinct, otherwise called libido, was a core component.

 

Mecca in Saudi Arabia welcomes 20 million visitors annually for Hajj and Umrah, making it the world’s most visited religious destination. Hajj and Umrah are different. Hajj can only be done at specific times of the year. Umrah can be done at any time of the year except for a few days during the month of Dhu al-Hijja.

 

Paris, France, is the most visited romantic destination on the planet with 18 million visitors.

 

And this is where the genius of Lagos and its leaders comes into play.

 

They have combined religion and romance, using these two big draws to make Lagos the year-end pearl of African tourism.

 

The successive Muslim Governors of Lagos, in the persons of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Raji Fashola, SAN, did not allow their religion to blind them to the potential of the Synagogue as a money-spinner for Lagos.

 

With the Synagogue’s sometimes not-so-spotty reputation as a religious institution, they still gave it as much support as it needed.

 

Elsewhere, we saw what happened to the Shiites in Kaduna.

 

No matter what you think of Shia Muslims, Kaduna under Nasir el-Rufai lost a golden opportunity to turn Zaria into a global hub for Shia pilgrimage due to the international flight restrictions placed on Iran.

 

You do not have to like them to profit from them. We in Black Africa must learn to be goal-oriented. What is the goal? To attract foreign investment into Nigeria.

 

If you can do that through religion, which you can then place reasonable restrictions on, why not?

 

Please fact-check me: Hajj and Umrah collectively are the second largest contributors to the Saudi economy, with $12 billion annually.

 

Since the death of TB Joshua, attention has shifted to the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Holy Ghost convention, which attracts over 5 million worshippers both online and offline.

 

And between Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, that religious pilgrimage is adding millions of dollars to their state coffers.

 

And then comes Detty December. For the uninitiated, the “Detty” in “Detty December” is a Nigerian street lingo for illicit romantic liaisons that are meant to start and end during the end-of-year holiday season.

 

It is our own version of What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas, invented as a phrase in 2003 to draw visitors to Sin City!

 

And Detty December did not just happen. The Lagos State Government made it happen by investing millions of dollars in an international advertising campaign and supporting the entertainment and hospitality industries through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

 

My little counsel to the Lagos State Government is that the next step they should take is to lobby Eon Productions, owners of the James Bond movie franchise, to shoot part of their next Bond movie in Lagos during Detty December.

 

Do you think that all those cities chosen as Bond locations are picked at random? No! Intense lobbying and money-ing go into it.

 

Let me give an example. Bangkok, Thailand, was a little-known tourist destination before the year of my birth (1974). And then the Thai government lobbied and partly bankrolled Eon Productions to shoot the Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun, in Thailand.

 

Fast forward to today, and Bangkok is now the most visited city on Earth with 30.3 million visitors so far in 2025.

 

Whatever the Thai government spent to promote The Man with the Golden Gun had been recouped more than a thousand times!

 

Moral of the Story: If you want to attract tourists to your state, focus on the two Rs, religion and romance, and you will achieve through that what festivals, masquerades, and other tourist attractions cannot accomplish.

 

Reno Omokri

 

 

Top 5 New Artists Who Dominated the Nigerian Music Scene in 2025

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Top 5 New Artists Who Dominated the Nigerian Music Scene in 2025

Top 5 New Artists Who Dominated the Nigerian Music Scene in 2025

In 2025, Nigerian music did not wait for permission. A new generation of artists stormed the mainstream with confidence, pushing past the old rules and redrawing the map of influence. What began in 2024 as a cautious introduction became, this year, a full takeover.

 

This was not a season of gatekeeping. It was a season of game changers.

 

From street anthems to TikTok-powered hits, emotive songwriting to dance trends and fresh slang, these rising stars brought energy, character, and serious streaming power to the industry. They did not just chase charts. They shaped conversations, soundtracks, and culture.

 

Here are the Top 5 New Nigerian Artists who defined 2025, turning breakout moments into headline years.

 

1. Fido — The Man Behind Nigeria’s Anthem of the Year

Fido’s rise in 2025 felt inevitable. With a sound that blends raw emotion and catchy simplicity, he delivered what many now call Nigeria’s anthem of the year. His breakout single cut across age groups, regions, and playlists, becoming a constant on radio, in clubs, and across social media.

 

What sets Fido apart is his ability to turn everyday stories into melodies that feel personal and universal at once. In a year crowded with releases, his music stood out for its honesty and replay value. By year’s end, Fido was no longer just a new name. He was a voice of the moment.

 

2. Mavo — The TikTok-Fueled Streaming Maverick

Mavo understood the power of the digital streets. In 2025, TikTok became his launchpad, but streaming platforms became his territory. A series of viral clips transformed his songs into nationwide hits, driving millions of streams and placing him firmly among the most talked-about newcomers of the year.

 

Beyond the virality, Mavo proved he had staying power. His sound, youthful, melodic, and highly relatable, connected deeply with Gen Z listeners. He turned trends into traction and traction into a growing catalogue that kept fans coming back for more.

 

3. FOLA — Chart Power Meets Authenticity

FOLA’s story in 2025 is one of balance: mainstream success without losing artistic soul. His records climbed charts while staying rooted in authenticity, reflecting lived experiences and emotional depth.

 

With a breakout project that delivered both numbers and narrative, FOLA positioned himself as an artist who could dominate playlists and still command respect for songwriting. In a year driven by hits, he reminded listeners that substance still matters. The result was a steady rise and a loyal fan base that grew with every release.

 

 

4. Shoday — The Streets’ New Musical Mayor

Shoday’s music belongs to the streets, and in 2025, the streets answered loudly. His gritty, energetic sound captured the pulse of urban life, turning his songs into rallying cries at parties, corners, and online spaces.

 

He brought fresh slang, street codes, and bold confidence into the mainstream, making his records feel like snapshots of real-life hustle and celebration. For many young listeners, Shoday became the soundtrack to their everyday grind, earning him a reputation as the new musical mayor of the streets.

 

 

5. Ayo Maff — The Consistent Climber

While others exploded overnight, Ayo Maff built his rise step by step. 2025 rewarded that consistency. With a steady run of releases, collaborations, and growing visibility, he climbed from promising newcomer to recognized chart contender.

 

Ayo Maff’s strength lies in discipline and evolution. Each song showed improvement, each feature widened his audience, and each month added to his momentum. By the end of the year, his name had become a regular sight on playlists and music conversations, proof that patience still pays.

 

 

—

 

A Year That Belonged to the New Wave

 

If 2024 was about testing the waters, 2025 was about diving in headfirst. These five artists did not just enter the scene. They reshaped it. They brought steeze, emotion, dance trends, fresh slang, and undeniable streaming muscle, reminding everyone that Nigerian music’s future is not waiting. It is already here.

 

Their stories reflect a larger shift in the industry, where talent meets timing, digital power meets street credibility, and new voices rise fast to define the sound of a generation.

 

 

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