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Tanzania Charges 98 Protesters With Treason Following Post-Election Unrest

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The Tanzanian government has formally charged 98 individuals with treason in connection with violent protests that erupted during last week’s general election, according to filings submitted to the Resident Magistrate Court in Dar es Salaam.

Court documents state that the accused “formed an intention to obstruct the 2025 General Election for the purpose of intimidating the Executive of the Republic of Tanzania.” Authorities allege that the group took part in activities that resulted in property damage and attempted to undermine the electoral process.

Among those charged is a businesswoman who prosecutors claim encouraged people to purchase teargas masks from her shop ahead of the demonstrations. No further individual allegations or detailed evidence against the remaining defendants were publicly disclosed during Tuesday’s court session.

The protests, which spread across several major cities, were fueled by widespread frustration following the disqualification of the two leading opposition contenders from the presidential ballot. One of them, CHADEMA party leader Tundu Lissu, was himself charged with treason in April, a move that his supporters described as politically motivated.

Human rights groups and CHADEMA officials have alleged that security forces used excessive force to contain the unrest, claiming that more than 1,000 people may have been killed. The government has dismissed those figures as exaggerated but has not provided an official casualty count.

The mass treason charges have sparked renewed concern among civil society organizations, who warn that political tensions in the country are deepening ahead of the next electoral cycle. International observers have called for transparency, impartial investigations, and steps to restore public trust in the electoral process.

The accused remain in custody as legal proceedings continue.

Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci Receives Second Guinness World Record Plaque for Largest Pot of Jollof Rice

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Nigerian culinary star and restaurateur, Hilda Baci, has been formally presented with her second Guinness World Record plaque, marking her latest global achievement for preparing the world’s largest pot of jollof rice. The recognition follows the success of a large-scale culinary event where Baci and her team showcased the iconic West African dish on an unprecedented scale.

The feat, meticulously documented and verified by the Guinness World Records team, highlights Baci’s continued influence in Africa’s culinary scene. It also reinforces her role in promoting Nigerian cuisine and cultural identity on international platforms.

This new accomplishment comes after her headline-making cook-a-thon in 2023, which initially earned her global applause and widespread media attention. With her latest recognition, Baci becomes one of the few Nigerians to hold multiple Guinness World Record titles, further solidifying her legacy in contemporary culinary history.

Speaking on the award, Baci expressed gratitude to her supporters, culinary partners, and the community that rallied behind the project. She emphasized that the achievement was not only a personal milestone, but also a celebration of Nigerian cuisine and creative culinary enterprise.

The unveiling of the plaque has sparked excitement across social media, with fans, fellow chefs, and public figures applauding her resilience, innovation, and dedication to her craft.

Baci’s newest record continues to shine a spotlight on Nigerian gastronomy and deepens the global appreciation of jollof rice, a culturally significant dish often celebrated across West Africa.

Further celebrations and media appearances are expected in the coming days as the chef continues to champion food, culture, and creative excellence.

President Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Defeating Terrorism and Strengthening Global Partnerships

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated Nigeria’s determination to confront terrorism and insecurity decisively, while deepening diplomatic engagement and strengthening the country’s international partnerships. The President made the remarks in a formal statement addressing national security, foreign relations, and ongoing government reforms.

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria remains focused on asserting its presence on the global stage through measured diplomacy and strategic alliances. He stated that the Federal Government is engaging international partners with a clear and unwavering purpose to protect the nation’s interests and enhance cooperation.

On the issue of insecurity, the President acknowledged that terrorism has challenged Nigeria for nearly two decades but assured citizens that the government will not relent. He pledged that Nigeria will “decisively defeat terrorism,” adding that national security remains non-negotiable.

“We will not back down. Security is fundamental, and we will never compromise on this principle. With steadfast courage and adherence to the rule of law, we will prevail,” Tinubu stated.

The President reaffirmed the unity of the nation, describing Nigeria as one indivisible family bound by shared aspirations. He urged citizens to maintain resilience and collective resolve, noting that the nation’s future is stronger than any present challenges.

Tinubu also underscored the administration’s commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms aimed at economic recovery, inclusive development, and social stability. He pledged that no effort would be spared in eliminating criminal elements threatening the peace of the nation.

The President called on Nigeria’s international allies to continue supporting the country’s counter-terrorism operations, noting that significant progress has been made in the past two years.

“We ask our allies to stand firmly with us as we intensify the fight against terrorism. We will remain a reliable partner, a dependable ally, and a consistent voice for global and regional stability,” he said.

Tinubu extended profound appreciation to members of the armed forces and intelligence services, recognizing their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. He honored those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their courage as the backbone of Nigeria’s security efforts.

“Your commitment is our strength in the fight against terror,” he declared.

The President concluded by restating the Federal Government’s unwavering determination to secure the nation, strengthen international cooperation, and deliver a more prosperous and united Nigeria.

Lagos Government Launches 24-Hour Traffic Management and Urban Enforcement Drive Ahead of Festive Surge

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The Lagos State Government has activated a comprehensive, round-the-clock traffic management operation and multi-agency urban enforcement initiative across key transport corridors and nightlife districts, as part of efforts to maintain order and ensure seamless mobility during the high-travel festive period.

The intervention officially designated “Operation Ember Months Stability” is being led by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and is structured to strengthen vehicular flow, enhance commuter safety, and enforce environmental compliance across the state.

In a statement issued by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the agency confirmed the deployment of operational personnel to critical traffic intersections, major road corridors, and active night-time zones, ensuring 24-hour coverage throughout the festive season surge.

The expanded operations will prioritize strategic arteries including:

•Ikorodu Road

•Apapa–Oshodi Expressway

•Lekki–Epe Expressway

•Agege Motor Road

•Island club and entertainment districts

According to Bakare-Oki, the intensified deployment is aimed at reducing congestion, discouraging reckless driving, and promoting heightened safety awareness among motorists and commuters.

“This is a proactive response to the predictable rise in vehicular movement at this time of the year. Our teams will be visible and functional day and night to ensure Lagos remains mobile, orderly, and safe,” he said.

The traffic operation will run in tandem with a multi-agency task force coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, which has commenced a wide-scale urban regeneration and environmental rectitude enforcement drive. This effort targets illegal motor parks, roadside trading, obstructive parking, and other activities that impede traffic flow and urban order.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and disciplined transport system, particularly during the festive months when travel intensity peaks.

Tesla Shareholders Approve Elon Musk’s Nearly $1 Trillion Compensation Package

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Tesla shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favor of CEO Elon Musk’s landmark compensation deal, valued at nearly $1 trillion, in what is now one of the largest executive pay packages in corporate history. The vote took place during the company’s annual shareholders’ meeting held in Austin, Texas, with over 75% of voting shares backing the proposal.

The approval comes despite earlier objections from several proxy advisory firms who argued that the payout was excessively large and could dilute shareholder value. However, Tesla’s board maintained that the package is directly tied to Musk’s performance and the company’s long-term growth targets.

Board Chair Robyn Denholm defended the decision, stating that Musk’s leadership has been central to Tesla’s evolution from a niche electric-vehicle startup into the world’s most valuable automotive manufacturer.

“This vote is a reaffirmation of our belief that Elon remains mission-critical to Tesla’s future,” Denholm said during the session.

The compensation plan is structured around a series of performance milestones linked to Tesla’s market capitalization, revenue growth, and operational expansion. Musk will only receive the full payout if Tesla continues to meet ambitious targets for scaling manufacturing, advancing battery technology, and strengthening its position in global EV markets.

The vote signals investor confidence in Tesla’s direction amid increasing competition in the electric vehicle sector, intensifying regulatory scrutiny, and broader economic uncertainty. It also reinforces Musk’s influence over the company at a time when his commitments span multiple ventures, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and X (formerly Twitter).

Market analysts note that the decision may bolster investor morale in the short term, though debate is expected to continue regarding corporate governance and executive compensation standards.

Nigeria Announces Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, Targets Guinness World Record

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LThe Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Olayiwola Awakan (GrPr), joined key industry leaders at a world press conference in Abuja to announce the Mega Renewed Hope NIHOTOUR Gastronomy Festival, set to hold on Saturday, 6th December 2025, at the Cilantro Event Centre.

The briefing was hosted by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, Director General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), who described the festival as a landmark cultural event designed to spotlight Nigeria’s culinary excellence and expand tourism through food culture.

This year’s edition, themed “Oriki: Taste of Culture 2025,” will feature a Guinness World Record attempt for the world’s longest dining table, positioning Nigeria on the global stage and reinforcing its push to develop gastronomy-driven tourism experiences.

Speaking at the event, Awakan emphasized that the festival aligns with the national outlook on cultural preservation, creative economy expansion, and tourism diversification, noting that Nigerian cuisine remains one of the country’s strongest cultural exports.

The press conference was attended by the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, along with senior government officials, creative industry leaders, hospitality stakeholders, and cultural ambassadors.

Musawa highlighted the festival as a strategic platform to create new jobs, boost local food enterprises, and encourage domestic and international tourism. She added that events of this scale reinforce Nigeria’s identity, creativity, and global cultural influence.

The Mega Gastronomy Festival is expected to draw thousands of local and international participants, showcase regional culinary traditions, empower young chefs, and foster investment opportunities within the creative tourism value chain.

 

Ventures Platform Secures $64 Million to Accelerate Africa’s Tech Innovation

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Ventures Platform, one of Africa’s most active early-stage venture capital firms, has announced the first close of its second Pan-African fund at $64 million, marking a major step toward supporting the continent’s next generation of high-growth technology companies.

Founded by entrepreneur and ecosystem builder Kola Aina, Ventures Platform has built a strong reputation for identifying and backing promising founders at the earliest stages. The new fund received backing from leading international and regional institutions, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Standard Bank, British International Investment (BII), Proparco, AfricaGrow, and Nigeria’s iDICE program.

Driving Scale Across the Continent

The firm says the fund will be used to support startups looking to scale beyond their local markets into North Africa, Francophone Africa, and other emerging innovation hubs across the continent. Priority sectors include:

  • Fintech
  • Healthtech
  • Agritech
  • Edtech
  • Artificial Intelligence

These sectors continue to play a major role in Africa’s digital transformation and economic inclusion efforts.

Track Record of Backing Market Leaders

Since its launch in 2016, Ventures Platform has invested in more than 90 startups, many of which have grown into category leaders. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as:

  • Moniepoint (formerly TeamApt)
  • LemFi
  • PiggyVest
  • Thrive Agric
  • OmniRetail

Some of these companies have reached unicorn status, validating the firm’s early-stage investment thesis and its ability to identify scalable business models in African markets.

Strengthening the African Innovation Landscape

The closing of this fund signals renewed confidence in Africa’s startup ecosystem at a time when global venture funding has tightened. The capital injection is expected to help founders build stronger operations, access new markets, and attract follow-on investment.

Ventures Platform says the goal is not just to fund innovation, but to help build enduring, globally competitive African technology companies.

 

Oando Suspends Petrol Importation as Dangote Refinery Boosts Domestic Fuel Supply

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Oando Plc has halted the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as increased domestic output from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shift Nigeria away from reliance on foreign gasoline supplies.

The development was disclosed in Oando’s Half-Year and Nine-Month 2025 financial statements, where the company reported a 20% decline in trading revenue and a 42% drop in gross profit, largely driven by the reduction in imported petrol volumes.

According to the report, the expansion of local refining capacity — particularly output from the Dangote facility — has significantly altered market demand, making imported PMS less competitive. With more Nigerian fuel marketers now sourcing directly from domestic refineries, the need for foreign gasoline purchases has continued to shrink.

Industry analysts note that the move marks a turning point in Nigeria’s decades-long dependence on fuel imports, a situation that has historically strained foreign exchange reserves and increased consumer pump prices due to shipping and landing costs.

Energy observers say Oando’s shift underscores a broader realignment in the downstream sector, with marketers increasingly restructuring portfolios to adapt to local refining economics and Nigeria’s push toward energy self-sufficiency.

The trend is expected to accelerate as the Dangote Refinery ramps up to full operational capacity and state-owned and modular refineries continue to increase output across the country.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu Reaffirms Lagos’ Climate Action Commitment at 11th International Climate Change Summit

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to tackling climate change through innovative, long-term resilience strategies tailored to the state’s unique environmental challenges. The Governor made the remarks today while speaking at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, where policymakers, climate experts, development partners, and private-sector leaders convened to deliberate on sustainable solutions.

Sanwo-Olu noted that climate change is not a distant or theoretical concern for Lagos, but a pressing reality with direct implications on daily life. With a population of over 22 million people and a coastline stretching 187 kilometres, Lagos faces heightened vulnerability to flooding, erosion, and rising sea levels.

“For us in Lagos, climate change is not an abstract discussion; it is a daily reality,” the Governor stated. “It affects our homes, our economy, and our way of life. We understand what is at stake, and we are responding with urgency and innovation.”

Among the key initiatives highlighted at the summit were:

  • The Great Wall of Lagos: An expansive coastal defence and shoreline protection system designed to mitigate tidal surges and safeguard communities along the Atlantic front.
  • The Omi Èkó Initiative: A clean water transport project aimed at reducing carbon emissions, easing traffic congestion, and improving mobility through eco-friendly waterways.
  • Lagos Carbon: Africa’s first domestic environmental market, structured to stimulate private-sector participation and investment in carbon reduction and green projects.

According to the Governor, these initiatives form part of a broader sustainability strategy rooted in climate adaptation, environmental resilience, green infrastructure, and economic inclusion.

“Our focus remains to protect lives, create opportunities, and build a Lagos that is sustainable and resilient for generations to come,” he said.

The summit concluded with calls for stronger intergovernmental cooperation, increased funding for climate innovation, and sustained public participation in environmental conservation.

Lagos Hosts “The Design Table,” A New Platform Advancing Dialogue on the Future of African Fashion

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A new cultural and creative industry forum, The Design Table, made its debut in Lagos on Saturday, introducing a fresh space for collaboration and discourse within Africa’s fashion ecosystem. The gathering was co-created by So.Me Solutions in partnership with Chika Uwazie, host of The Afropolitan Podcast.

Held strategically during Lagos Fashion Week, the event brought together designers, editors, brand executives, investors, and cultural tastemakers from across the continent and the diaspora. The objective was to move discussions around African fashion beyond styling and creativity, and into strengthened infrastructure, commercial growth, and global positioning.

Speaking at the event, co-convener Chika Uwazie emphasized that sustainable progress in the African fashion value chain requires collective knowledge-building and shared responsibility among key players. She noted that while the continent is widely celebrated for its creativity, greater attention must now be placed on systems that support scalability, ethical production, and long-term industry viability.

Participants engaged in conversations on design innovation, supply chain development, storytelling, manufacturing capacity, and the changing expectations of global consumers. Attendees described the gathering as “a meeting of minds” and “a blueprint moment” for aligning vision with practical pathways for growth.

Unlike typical social or fashion gatherings, The Design Table prioritized intentional dialogue, reflective exchange, and actionable insight-sharing. Organizers stated that additional editions are planned, with the goal of building a long-term community of practitioners committed to shaping the future of African creativity.

The launch signals a broader trend toward reimagining African fashion as not only an artistic force, but an economic and cultural institution capable of influencing global markets and narratives.

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