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Tanzania Imposes Curfew in Dar es Salaam After Election Day Clashes

Funmilayo
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Tanzania Imposes Curfew in Dar es Salaam After Election Day Clashes

Tanzania’s government has declared a citywide curfew in Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest commercial hub, following violent clashes between police and protesters on election day. The unrest erupted amid growing tensions over the credibility of the polls.

According to reports from Muhimbili National Hospital, dozens of injured people were brought in after confrontations broke out in several parts of the city. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as protesters set vehicles ablaze and damaged public infrastructure while security forces responded with force to disperse the crowds.

The demonstrations coincided with presidential and parliamentary elections, widely seen as a foregone conclusion for incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her ruling party. The main opposition leader remains in jail on treason charges, which he denies, and his party has boycotted the election — a move that critics say has left voters without a real alternative.

Protesters have accused the government of undermining democracy and demanded reforms to guarantee free political participation and transparent electoral processes. Authorities, however, deny any wrongdoing and insist the election was conducted fairly.

Tanzania’s Inspector General of Police, Camelius Wambura, announced that a curfew would take effect from 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT), urging residents to remain indoors until further notice. He did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted.

The government has yet to release an official casualty figure or provide details about the extent of the damage, but the unrest marks one of the most serious public order challenges in Tanzania since President Suluhu took office.

Observers warn that the developments could heighten political tensions in a country long seen as one of East Africa’s more stable democracies.

Source: BBC / AOL News

“Gingerrr” Smashes Box Office Records with ₦378.6 Million — and Counting!

Ranks-Staff
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“Gingerrr” Smashes Box Office Records with ₦378.6 Million — and Counting!

The Nigerian film industry is buzzing with excitement as Gingerrr, the blockbuster comedy-drama starring Kiekie, Bisola Aiyeola, Wunmi Toriola, and Bolaji Ogunmola, continues its unstoppable run at the box office. Since its debut on September 26th, the film has grossed an impressive ₦378,600,067, cementing its place among the highest-grossing Nigerian films of all time — and it’s still climbing.

Produced by a powerhouse female cast and crew, Gingerrr has joined the elite ranks of Nollywood hits such as Everybody Loves Jenifa, The Wedding Party, and Chief Daddy. What’s even more remarkable is that the movie has held the number one spot in Nigerian cinemas every week since its release — an achievement few local films can boast of.

Now, Gingerrr is set to take its success global as it heads to UK cinemas, marking another milestone for the growing international appeal of Nollywood. Industry analysts are predicting an even stronger revenue surge, as diaspora audiences have shown increasing enthusiasm for Nigerian-made films that blend humor, authenticity, and cultural depth.

The film’s success has also shaken up the current box office rankings. Wunmi Toriola’s Queen Lateefah now takes the 11th spot with ₦365 million, while AY’s The Waiter and Timini Egbuson’s Reel Love follow closely at 12th and 13th, respectively.

With less than ₦10 million separating Gingerrr from Chief Daddy, the numbers suggest that the record books may soon need updating. The film’s continued dominance underscores a vital truth about Nollywood’s current landscape — female-led projects are thriving, both commercially and creatively.

Gingerrr’s success isn’t just a win for its cast and crew; it’s a testament to the growing strength of Nigerian storytelling, the loyalty of its audiences, and the unstoppable rise of women shaping the future of African cinema.

As the film expands into international markets, one thing is clear — Gingerrr isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

Dr. Wendy Okolo: The Nigerian Aerospace Engineer Redefining the Skies

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Dr. Wendy Okolo: The Nigerian Aerospace Engineer Redefining the Skies

Dr. Wendy Okolo stands as a shining example of excellence, resilience, and representation in the world of aerospace engineering. A proud Nigerian, she has not only carved her name into NASA’s history but continues to inspire a new generation of scientists, innovators, and dreamers across Africa and beyond.

Okolo made history when she earned her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington at just 26 years old — becoming the first Black woman to do so. Her achievement marked a major milestone, not just for representation in STEM, but also for women of color globally who aspire to break barriers in male-dominated fields.

At NASA’s Ames Research Center in California, Dr. Okolo applies her expertise to cutting-edge research in flight dynamics, vehicle controls, and systems health monitoring — all critical aspects of modern aerospace innovation. Her work contributes directly to the safety, efficiency, and advancement of next-generation aircraft and space systems.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Okolo has become a strong voice for inclusion and gender equity in science and engineering. Within NASA, she has championed initiatives that support new mothers, worked to eliminate gender bias from technical job descriptions, and mentored young women entering STEM fields. Her leadership reflects both scientific brilliance and a deep commitment to building equitable systems where talent, not bias, defines opportunity.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has received multiple honors, including the prestigious NASA Exceptional Technology Achievement Medal, awarded for outstanding innovation and contributions to aerospace research.

In 2023, Dr. Okolo expanded her influence beyond the laboratory with the release of her book, “Learn to Fly: On Becoming a Rocket Scientist,” now available on Amazon. In it, she shares her personal journey — from her Nigerian roots to NASA’s frontlines — offering a candid and inspiring roadmap for anyone aspiring to reach new heights, literally and figuratively.

Dr. Wendy Okolo’s story is one of vision and perseverance. She continues to prove that brilliance knows no borders — and that the future of aerospace will soar higher when diversity is at its core.

Nestoil Group Affirms Uninterrupted Operations Amid Lagos Office Sealing Lagos, Nigeria — Nestoil Group has reaffirmed that its operations across Nigeria remain fully functional despite the temporary sealing of its Lagos head office by security operatives, following a court order related to a commercial dispute. The clarification comes after reports surfaced that the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island had been sealed over a debt issue involving FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited, both subsidiaries of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. In an official statement released on Tuesday, Nestoil described the development as a procedural matter currently before the courts and emphasized that it has not affected business continuity across its subsidiaries and project sites. “Nestoil is aware of the reports and ongoing legal processes referenced in the media. The situation relates to a commercial matter currently before the courts, which is being addressed through appropriate legal and regulatory channels,” the company said. The statement further noted that proactive measures have been implemented to ensure smooth operations. Employees are working remotely while the Group engages relevant authorities and stakeholders to resolve the matter through lawful means. “Nestoil remains fully operational across all business lines. Our subsidiaries, projects, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors continue without disruption. Proactive measures have been implemented to protect our workforce, sustain operations, and uphold our obligations to clients and partners,” the statement added. The company also assured clients, partners, and investors of its financial stability, reaffirming its commitment to all ongoing projects within the energy and infrastructure sectors. Nestoil described the sealing of its Victoria Island office as a temporary step in an ongoing commercial process and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved promptly through lawful and constructive engagement. ⸻ Would you like me to adapt this into a publish-ready press release format (with headline, dateline, and spokesperson quote formatting), or keep it as a neutral news report for editorial use?

Funmilayo
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0
Nestoil Group Affirms Uninterrupted Operations Amid Lagos Office Sealing Lagos, Nigeria — Nestoil Group has reaffirmed that its operations across Nigeria remain fully functional despite the temporary sealing of its Lagos head office by security operatives, following a court order related to a commercial dispute. The clarification comes after reports surfaced that the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island had been sealed over a debt issue involving FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited, both subsidiaries of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. In an official statement released on Tuesday, Nestoil described the development as a procedural matter currently before the courts and emphasized that it has not affected business continuity across its subsidiaries and project sites. “Nestoil is aware of the reports and ongoing legal processes referenced in the media. The situation relates to a commercial matter currently before the courts, which is being addressed through appropriate legal and regulatory channels,” the company said. The statement further noted that proactive measures have been implemented to ensure smooth operations. Employees are working remotely while the Group engages relevant authorities and stakeholders to resolve the matter through lawful means. “Nestoil remains fully operational across all business lines. Our subsidiaries, projects, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors continue without disruption. Proactive measures have been implemented to protect our workforce, sustain operations, and uphold our obligations to clients and partners,” the statement added. The company also assured clients, partners, and investors of its financial stability, reaffirming its commitment to all ongoing projects within the energy and infrastructure sectors. Nestoil described the sealing of its Victoria Island office as a temporary step in an ongoing commercial process and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved promptly through lawful and constructive engagement. ⸻ Would you like me to adapt this into a publish-ready press release format (with headline, dateline, and spokesperson quote formatting), or keep it as a neutral news report for editorial use?

Nestoil Group Affirms Uninterrupted Operations Amid Lagos Office Sealing

Lagos, Nigeria — Nestoil Group has reaffirmed that its operations across Nigeria remain fully functional despite the temporary sealing of its Lagos head office by security operatives, following a court order related to a commercial dispute.

The clarification comes after reports surfaced that the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island had been sealed over a debt issue involving FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited and First Trustees Limited, both subsidiaries of First Bank of Nigeria Limited.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, Nestoil described the development as a procedural matter currently before the courts and emphasized that it has not affected business continuity across its subsidiaries and project sites.

“Nestoil is aware of the reports and ongoing legal processes referenced in the media. The situation relates to a commercial matter currently before the courts, which is being addressed through appropriate legal and regulatory channels,” the company said.

The statement further noted that proactive measures have been implemented to ensure smooth operations. Employees are working remotely while the Group engages relevant authorities and stakeholders to resolve the matter through lawful means.

“Nestoil remains fully operational across all business lines. Our subsidiaries, projects, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors continue without disruption. Proactive measures have been implemented to protect our workforce, sustain operations, and uphold our obligations to clients and partners,” the statement added.

The company also assured clients, partners, and investors of its financial stability, reaffirming its commitment to all ongoing projects within the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Nestoil described the sealing of its Victoria Island office as a temporary step in an ongoing commercial process and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved promptly through lawful and constructive engagement.

Would you like me to adapt this into a publish-ready press release format (with headline, dateline, and spokesperson quote formatting), or keep it as a neutral news report for editorial use?

Sanusi Lamido Blames Nigeria’s Economic Crisis on Delayed Fuel Subsidy Removal

Funmilayo
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0
Sanusi Lamido Blames Nigeria’s Economic Crisis on Delayed Fuel Subsidy Removal

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, has said that Nigeria’s current economic hardship is the direct result of the government’s failure to remove the fuel subsidy more than a decade ago.

Speaking at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Sanusi described the subsidy regime as a “dangerous financial arrangement” that placed the nation in a position of limitless fiscal exposure.

According to him, what Nigerians commonly called a fuel subsidy was effectively an open-ended hedge, where the federal government guaranteed that citizens would not pay beyond a fixed pump price regardless of fluctuations in oil prices or exchange rates.

“The government told 200 million Nigerians they would not pay more than a fixed amount per litre, no matter what happened to oil prices or exchange rates. When oil went from $40 to $140, the federal government paid the difference. When the naira depreciated from N155 to N300, the government paid the difference,” Sanusi explained.

He added that the policy not only drained public finances but also forced the government into a cycle of borrowing to sustain the subsidy payments.

“At some point, we were borrowing money not just to pay subsidies, but to service the interest on the loans taken to pay those subsidies. That was bankruptcy by policy,” he stated.

Sanusi, who served as CBN governor from 2009 to 2014, recalled that he had warned the federal government as early as 2012 that postponing subsidy removal would have long-term inflationary and fiscal consequences.

“If we had removed it then, inflation would have risen slightly from 11 to about 13 per cent and stabilised. Now, we are facing inflation above 30 per cent. This is the cost of delay,” he said.

The Emir noted that Nigeria’s fiscal troubles stem largely from a pattern of short-term political decision-making taking precedence over sound economic policy. He stressed that this has fueled public misunderstanding of the distinct responsibilities of government institutions such as the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, further complicating efforts to stabilize the economy.

Sanusi’s comments come at a time when Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation, high living costs, and a weakened naira — challenges that many analysts link to years of policy inconsistency and heavy fiscal dependence on oil revenues.

Dangote to Invest $1 Billion in Zimbabwe’s Cement, Coal, and Power Sectors

Funmilayo
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0
Dangote to Invest $1 Billion in Zimbabwe’s Cement, Coal, and Power Sectors

Harare, Zimbabwe — Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is set to invest $1 billion in Zimbabwe, marking a major expansion of the Dangote Group’s footprint across Southern Africa.

The investment, which will span cement manufacturing, coal mining, and power generation, represents a renewed push by the Nigerian industrialist to strengthen the conglomerate’s operations on the continent.

According to government officials, preparations are underway for a high-level meeting between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Dangote, following a series of renewed discussions during the Afreximbank Annual Meetings held in Abuja in June.

Paul Tungwarara, investment adviser to President Mnangagwa, confirmed that the billionaire’s visit to Zimbabwe is imminent.

“The richest man in Africa is coming to Zimbabwe at the invitation of President Mnangagwa. The two have been in constant communication, and we are presently working on the logistical aspects of the visit,” Tungwarara said.

“We are keen to ensure that he makes a significant investment in Zimbabwe and avoid what happened during his previous visit in 2015, when he came but did not return.”

Dangote’s renewed interest follows two earlier investment missions in 2015 and 2018, which did not yield concrete agreements. This time, officials say the political and economic environment is more conducive, with the government prioritizing large-scale industrial and energy projects to drive growth.

If finalized, the project will be one of the largest private sector investments in Zimbabwe in recent years, promising to boost infrastructure development, create jobs, and strengthen regional industrial integration.

The initiative also aligns with the Dangote Group’s Africa-wide growth strategy, which includes cement plants and energy projects in several countries such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Tanzania.

Nigeria Set to Meet $1.12bn Eurobond and ₦100bn Sukuk Maturities Before End of 2025

Funmilayo
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Nigeria Set to Meet $1.12bn Eurobond and ₦100bn Sukuk Maturities Before End of 2025

Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria is gearing up to settle two major debt obligations before the end of 2025, comprising a $1.12 billion Eurobond and a ₦100 billion Sukuk bond, both viewed as key milestones in the country’s ongoing debt management strategy.

The 7.625% Eurobond, issued in November 2018 and maturing on November 21, 2025, forms part of Nigeria’s external borrowing framework aimed at financing infrastructure and shoring up foreign reserves. The bond was oversubscribed at issuance, reflecting investor confidence in Nigeria’s sovereign debt despite global market uncertainties at the time.

Similarly, the 15.743% FGN Sukuk bond, maturing on December 28, 2025, was floated through FGN Roads Sukuk Company 1 Plc to fund key national road projects. The ₦100 billion (approximately $68.5 million) issuance underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to diversifying its funding sources and deepening Islamic finance within the domestic capital market.

When translated into local currency at the prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,465/$, the two maturities together amount to over ₦1.7 trillion, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s repayment challenge amid mounting fiscal pressures.

Data from the Debt Management Office (DMO) reveal that the Federal Government spent more than ₦5 trillion on debt servicing in the first half of 2025 alone — a figure that highlights the strain on fiscal resources and the growing cost of debt maintenance.

Analysts have raised concerns over how the government plans to meet these upcoming maturities, pointing to the likelihood of refinancing options, new borrowings, or alternative repayment mechanisms as potential strategies to cushion liquidity risks.

Further DMO data show that external debt servicing remains a significant burden, with Nigeria spending $2.32 billion (₦3.4 trillion) on foreign debt payments between January and June 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Eurobond investors accounted for nearly 65% of these repayments, totaling $1.5 billion (₦2.197 trillion) within six months.

The IMF emerged as Nigeria’s single largest creditor, receiving $816.3 million (₦1.195 trillion) — about 35.2% of the total external debt service outflows.

With the twin maturities of the Eurobond and Sukuk bonds approaching, Nigeria’s debt management strategy will face a critical test of both its fiscal discipline and its ability to balance debt sustainability with economic growth imperatives.

ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of “Weaponising Hunger” Amid Rising Food Prices

Funmilayo
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ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of “Weaponising Hunger” Amid Rising Food Prices

Abuja, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately “weaponising hunger” and manipulating food prices to gain political leverage amid worsening economic conditions across the country.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the opposition party said the soaring cost of food and essential commodities reflects a “systemic failure of leadership” rather than market forces alone. The ADC called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s agricultural strategy, arguing that food security must be treated as a national emergency rather than a political tool.

The party urged the federal government to prioritise access to agricultural inputs, modern irrigation systems, and rural infrastructure to tackle the root causes of food inflation.

Responding to the criticism, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, dismissed the claims, insisting that the government is taking concrete steps to address the crisis.

Kyari noted that new policies are being rolled out to boost local food production, including expanded access to agricultural credit, improvements in supply chain storage, and partnerships aimed at reducing post-harvest losses.

While Nigerians continue to grapple with steep food prices and declining purchasing power, the debate highlights growing tension between government officials and opposition voices over how best to stabilise the nation’s food economy

Court Orders MultiChoice Nigeria to Pay ₦5 Million Compensation for Unlawful DStv Disconnection

Funmilayo
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Court Orders MultiChoice Nigeria to Pay ₦5 Million Compensation for Unlawful DStv Disconnection

Lagos, Nigeria — A Lagos High Court has ordered MultiChoice Nigeria Limited, operators of DStv, to pay ₦5 million in damages to a subscriber for unlawfully disconnecting his active television subscription.

Delivering judgment, Justice Razak Olukolu held that the company acted “wrongfully and willfully” in its actions, violating the subscriber’s rights as protected under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

The court ruled that the disconnection, carried out despite the subscriber having an active subscription, amounted to unfair treatment and abuse of the customer’s contractual rights.

In addition to the damages, Justice Olukolu directed MultiChoice to restore the subscriber’s service and extend the subscription period to cover the duration of the wrongful disconnection.

Legal analysts note that the ruling reinforces the growing judicial emphasis on consumer protection and corporate accountability in Nigeria’s service sector, particularly within the pay-TV industry, where similar complaints have been on the rise.

11 Dead in Mombasa Air Safari Plane Crash in Kenya’s Kwale County

Funmilayo
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11 Dead in Mombasa Air Safari Plane Crash in Kenya’s Kwale County

Kwale County, Kenya — Kenyan authorities have confirmed that 11 people were killed on Tuesday morning when a Mombasa Air Safari aircraft crashed in a forested area of Kwale County amid heavy rainfall.

11 Dead in Mombasa Air Safari Plane Crash in Kenya’s Kwale County

The plane was reportedly en route from Diani Beach to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a popular tourist destination, when it went down shortly after takeoff.

According to a statement from the airline, the victims included eight Hungarian nationals, two Germans, and one Kenyan pilot. Emergency responders and investigators from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) have been deployed to the crash site.

Officials said a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, with weather conditions and possible mechanical failure among the early lines of inquiry.

The tragic incident marks one of the deadliest small aircraft accidents in Kenya in recent years and has prompted renewed calls for stricter aviation safety oversight in the country’s tourism corridors.

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