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Okwuchukwu Abanobi Wins The Future Awards Africa Prize for Photography 2025

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In a celebration of Africa’s brightest young talents, Okwuchukwu Abanobi was awarded the prestigious Prize for Photography at The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2025, held on Saturday, 8th November 2025, at the Landmark Event Center, Oniru, Lagos.

The award, which recognizes outstanding creativity and innovation in the visual arts, honored Abanobi’s exceptional contributions to contemporary photography, capturing compelling stories that resonate across the continent. Known for his ability to blend cultural narratives with striking visual aesthetics, Abanobi’s work has gained recognition for its depth, originality, and transformative perspective on African life.

The ceremony, organized by @TFAAfrica, brought together an array of Africa’s emerging leaders across various fields, including technology, arts, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Attendees were treated to a glamorous evening filled with inspiring speeches, performances, and showcases of young African excellence.

In his acceptance speech, Abanobi expressed gratitude to his mentors, family, and the creative community, highlighting the power of photography to tell stories that inspire change. “Photography is more than capturing moments—it’s about narrating the African story with authenticity and pride,” he said.

The Future Awards Africa, now in its [X]th edition, continues to spotlight the continent’s youth, providing a platform to celebrate achievements that shape Africa’s present and future. Abanobi’s recognition underscores the growing influence of African photographers on the global stage and the role of creative arts in driving social conversation.

The evening concluded with celebratory moments, networking opportunities, and the unveiling of upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young Africans to realize their potential.

 

Okeowo Oladotun Alani Clinches The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music 2025

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In a night brimming with excitement and celebration of African talent, Okeowo Oladotun Alani emerged as the winner of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) Prize for Music 2025. The prestigious award was presented during a star-studded ceremony held at the Landmark Event Center, Oniru, Lagos, attracting key figures from the entertainment industry, media, and influential changemakers across the continent.

The ceremony, organized by @TFAAfrica, is renowned for recognizing young Africans making remarkable contributions in their fields, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. Okeowo Oladotun Alani, widely celebrated for his innovative sound and chart-topping hits, was honored for his exceptional impact on the African music scene and his role in inspiring a new generation of artists.

Taking the stage to receive the award, Alani expressed gratitude to his fans, mentors, and the music community. “This award is not just for me, but for everyone who believes in the power of music to transform lives. I am deeply honored to be recognized among Africa’s brightest talents,” he said.

The event also featured electrifying performances from some of Africa’s biggest musical stars, interactive presentations, and networking sessions designed to empower young creatives. The Landmark Event Center was alive with energy, reflecting the spirit of achievement and the promise of Africa’s next generation of leaders.

The Future Awards Africa continues to cement its position as a pivotal platform celebrating excellence across arts, culture, entrepreneurship, and social impact. With winners like Okeowo Oladotun Alani, the 2025 edition has once again showcased the immense talent and creativity thriving on the continent.

Aziza Hashim Wins The Future Awards Africa Prize for On-Air Personality 2025

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The Landmark Event Center in Oniru, Lagos, was ablaze with excitement on Saturday night as the continent’s brightest young talents gathered for the much-anticipated The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2025. Among the night’s highlights was the crowning of Aziza Hashim as the recipient of the prestigious Prize for On-Air Personality, recognizing her exceptional impact and influence in the broadcasting industry.

The award, which celebrates young individuals making waves across Africa, was presented to Aziza in a ceremony that brought together leaders, media personalities, and influencers from across the continent. Known for her dynamic presence, engaging style, and innovative approach to radio broadcasting, Aziza has become a household name, commanding the airwaves with her authenticity and connection to her audience.

During her acceptance speech, Aziza expressed gratitude to her listeners, mentors, and team, emphasizing the importance of using media platforms to inspire and uplift others. “This award is not just for me; it is for every voice striving to make a difference, every young person daring to dream big,” she said to a standing ovation from the audience.

The TFAA 2025 ceremony, hosted at Lagos’ premier Landmark Event Center, celebrated achievements across categories including entrepreneurship, technology, arts, advocacy, and media, shining a spotlight on Africa’s emerging leaders and changemakers. The night also featured electrifying performances, inspiring speeches, and memorable moments that left attendees buzzing long after the event concluded.

Aziza Hashim’s recognition as On-Air Personality of the Year cements her status as one of Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s most influential media figures, exemplifying the power of creativity, dedication, and innovation in shaping the continent’s narrative.

The Future Awards Africa continues to uphold its mission of celebrating Africa’s youth and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and societal impact across the continent.

Tomike Adeoye Honored with The Future Awards Africa Prize for Entrepreneurship 2025

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In a celebration of innovation and excellence, Tomike Adeoye was awarded the prestigious Prize for Entrepreneurship at the 2025 edition of The Future Awards Africa (TFA Africa). The ceremony, widely regarded as a platform that recognizes young African leaders driving positive change, took place amidst glitz, glamour, and a gathering of Africa’s brightest young talents.

Adeoye, whose entrepreneurial journey has been marked by creativity, resilience, and a commitment to impact, was recognized for her transformative contributions to the business landscape. Her ventures, which span [briefly describe sector or company if known], have not only created employment opportunities but have also set new standards for innovation in Nigeria’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Speaking on receiving the award, Adeoye expressed gratitude to her mentors, team, and supporters, noting that the recognition is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and bold action. “This award is not just for me; it’s for every young African daring to dream and build solutions that change lives,” she said.

The Future Awards Africa, known for celebrating young leaders aged 18-31, continues to shine a spotlight on individuals making remarkable contributions across multiple sectors, from business and technology to arts, culture, and social impact. Adeoye joins an elite roster of past winners whose work has inspired communities and fueled economic and social growth across the continent.

The 2025 ceremony also featured live performances, thought-provoking panels, and networking sessions, underscoring the role of youth in shaping Africa’s future. Adeoye’s recognition highlights the growing influence of young entrepreneurs who are transforming challenges into opportunities, demonstrating that the next generation of African leaders is not only ambitious but also impactful.

With her prize for entrepreneurship, Tomike Adeoye cements her status as a leading voice in African business, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue excellence, innovation, and societal change.

Aisha Madina Maishanu Wins The Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism 2025

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The Future Awards Africa (TFAA) 2025 celebrated excellence, innovation, and impact in Africa’s youth sector, and this year’s Prize for Journalism was awarded to Aisha Madina Maishanu, recognizing her outstanding contributions to investigative reporting and storytelling across the continent.

The award, presented at the prestigious ceremony hosted by @TFAAfrica, highlights Maishanu’s commitment to truth, integrity, and amplifying underrepresented voices in the media. Her work, which spans critical issues such as social justice, governance, and youth empowerment, has earned her both national and international acclaim.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Maishanu expressed gratitude to her mentors, colleagues, and the communities that have inspired her reporting. “Journalism is more than a career; it is a responsibility. I dedicate this award to every person whose story has been silenced or overlooked,” she said.

The Future Awards Africa, now in its second decade, continues to spotlight young Africans making transformative impacts across diverse fields, from technology and entertainment to journalism and social entrepreneurship. This year’s edition further underscored the power of storytelling in shaping narratives and driving societal change.

Maishanu’s recognition is expected to inspire a new generation of journalists across Africa to pursue bold, honest, and impactful reporting.

Follow updates from the ceremony and more inspiring winners on @TFAAfrica.

 

ECOWAS, AU, and China Urge US to Respect Nigeria’s Sovereignty

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Abuja, Nigeria – Regional and global actors have collectively cautioned the United States against interfering in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, emphasizing the importance of respecting the country’s sovereignty.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement warning against divisive narratives that could undermine Nigeria’s political stability and urged international partners to support the country in addressing internal challenges, particularly security concerns.

Similarly, the African Union (AU) reaffirmed its position that Nigeria’s domestic governance is an internal matter and stressed that external interference could destabilize ongoing political and social processes.

Adding to the chorus, China called on the United States to refrain from commenting on or intervening in Nigeria’s internal matters, highlighting the principle of non-interference in sovereign nations’ domestic affairs.

These warnings come amid growing international attention on Nigeria’s political landscape and security situation, with regional and global partners emphasizing diplomatic engagement over external meddling.

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Lagos State Moves to Raise N200bn in Domestic Bond Market to Fund Infrastructure Projects

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The Lagos State Government has returned to Nigeria’s domestic debt capital market with plans to raise up to N200 billion under its N1 trillion Debt and Hybrid Instruments Issuance Programme, in a renewed push to finance priority infrastructure across the State.

The bond issuance, structured as a 10-year tenor, opened for subscription on Thursday, November 6, 2025, with pricing guidance set between 16.15% and 16.25%, according to offer documents distributed by the lead issuing house, Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Services Limited.

As the lead issuing house and bookrunner, Chapel Hill Denham is coordinating the process through a book building exercise, which allows investors to submit bids indicating the volume of bonds they wish to purchase and the yield they are willing to accept. The bidding window closes on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after which the final interest rate and allocation will be determined based on market demand.

Book building is widely used in capital markets to establish fair pricing for securities by gauging real-time investor appetite. The bookrunner manages the bids, aggregates investor interest, and sets a final price that reflects prevailing market conditions.

According to Lagos State authorities, proceeds from the bond issuance will be directed toward the development of critical physical and social infrastructure, including transportation networks, housing expansion, healthcare delivery improvements, and educational facilities upgrade. The move aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Agenda, which prioritizes urban renewal, mobility enhancement, and inclusive social development.

Lagos—Nigeria’s leading commercial and financial hub—accounts for approximately 20% of the nation’s GDP and maintains one of the most diversified subnational economies on the continent. The State has an established track record in the Nigerian bond market, with previous issuances supporting major projects such as the Lagos Blue Line rail infrastructure, road network rehabilitation, and healthcare capacity expansion.

Market analysts note that the latest issuance comes amid a rising interest rate environment, with subnational borrowers increasingly turning to the domestic capital markets for long-term funding to bridge infrastructure gaps.

If successfully completed, the N200 billion raise is expected to accelerate the State’s ongoing capital project pipeline while reinforcing investor confidence in Lagos’ fiscal sustainability and governance framework.

FEC Approves Three New Policies to Boost Digital Trade, Innovation and Global Competitiveness

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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved three major policy frameworks aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s transition into a digital, innovation-driven and globally competitive economy. The approval marks a strategic step in the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s economic base beyond oil and strengthen the country’s position in emerging global markets.

According to a statement issued by the State House over the weekend, the new policies were presented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, and are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic expansion and inclusive growth.

The policies focus on three key areas:

  1. Strengthening Nigeria’s Intellectual Property System – to protect innovators, creators and investors, while fostering commercialization of research outputs and creative works.
  2. Unlocking Opportunities in Digital Trade – by establishing a regulatory environment that enables secure, accessible, and borderless digital transactions across sectors.
  3. Expanding Nigeria’s Services Export Capabilities – to increase the country’s participation in the global knowledge economy, particularly in technology, finance, creative industries, outsourcing and professional services.

In the statement, the State House noted that the policy initiatives are expected to open new pathways for job creation, foreign exchange earnings and private sector investment.

“The policies are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s intellectual property ecosystem, unlock opportunities in digital trade, and expand the country’s footprint in the global services export market,” the statement said.

The move comes at a time when digital trade and knowledge-based services are among the fastest-growing contributors to global GDP, with developing economies tapping into technology-enabled export markets to boost revenue and drive innovation.

Analysts say the successful implementation of the approved policies will require coordinated collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, and international partners. However, with Nigeria’s expanding tech ecosystem and its growing population of young digital talent, the country is positioned to benefit significantly from the renewed focus on innovation-led growth.

Charles Soludo Re-Elected Anambra Governor With 422,664 Votes

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Awka, Nigeria – Charles Chukwuma Soludo, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has secured a second term as Governor of Anambra State after winning the state’s gubernatorial election with a total of 422,664 votes.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally announced the results on Sunday, declaring Soludo, the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the winner following his clear lead across multiple local government areas in the state.

Soludo’s re-election consolidates his political standing in the South-East and reaffirms APGA’s enduring influence in Anambra, a state where the party has held power for over a decade.

The election, which featured competitive turnout and strong participation from youth and civil society observers, saw Soludo maintain significant support from grassroots networks built during his first tenure. Analysts say his victory reflects continued confidence in his administration’s reform agenda focused on security, infrastructure revamp, local economic development, and community-driven governance.

Soludo initially rose to national prominence as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2004 to 2009, where he led the landmark banking consolidation reform. His second term as governor now provides continuity for ongoing state development plans, including urban renewal efforts in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, and initiatives aimed at expanding manufacturing, technology innovation hubs, and internal revenue generation.

With the election concluded, attention now shifts to governance, policy implementation, and the political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general cycle.

Elektron Finance Lists N4.64bn Infrastructure Bond on NGX, Strengthening Long-Term Capital Access

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Elektron Finance Lists N4.64bn Infrastructure Bond on NGX, Strengthening Long-Term Capital Access

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has recorded a boost in capital market activity following the official listing of the N4.64 billion infrastructure bond issued by Elektron Finance SPV Plc, marking the first tranche under its N200 billion Bond Issuance Programme.

The 22.00% Series 1 Senior Guaranteed Fixed Rate Infrastructure Bond was listed on the exchange on Monday, November 3, 2025, and is structured as a 15-year instrument set to mature in July 2040. With a fixed coupon rate of 22% per annum, the bond currently stands as one of the most attractive long-term, yield-bearing instruments available to investors on the NGX.

The bond issuance benefits from significant credit enhancement measures. It is backed by the Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Plc (InfraCredit) and co-obligated by Victoria Island Power Limited, elevating the security profile of the instrument and reducing perceived default risk for investors.

Market analysts note that the presence of InfraCredit’s guarantee has effectively positioned the bond as a low-risk, high-yield investment option, particularly appealing to pension funds, insurance companies, and other institutional investors looking to hedge against inflation and market volatility while securing predictable returns.

The NGX confirmed that the bonds were listed at a par value of N1,000 per unit, with coupon payments scheduled on a semi-annual basis—specifically on January 7 and July 7 each year, beginning July 2025.

In line with standard infrastructure financing structures, amortised redemption payments will commence 36 months after issuance, continuing periodically until final maturity in July 2040, ensuring systematic and disciplined repayment over the lifespan of the bond.

The listing underscores ongoing efforts to deepen Nigeria’s infrastructure financing framework through capital market instruments and reflects growing investor appetite for long-dated securities that offer strong credit security and stable income.

 

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