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Mike Adenuga Is Not In Competition With Anyone

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Mike Adenuga Is Not In Competition With Anyone

By Olabode Opeseitan

In the high-octane world of billionaire rankings and corporate chest-thumping, one man continues to defy the script. He does not chase headlines. He does not court applause. He simply moves—quietly, decisively, and with a generosity that rewrites destinies.

Mike Adenuga is not in competition with anyone. Because he’s not playing the same game.

Per Second Billing, Per Second Impact
Just as he made per second billing possible—when the industry insisted it was impossible, Adenuga has quietly touched the lives of many who thought hope was lost, on a per second basis. Just as he disrupted a market and democratized access, he has democratized giving.

Today, the per second spirit animates his philanthropy. Lives are touched, tears are wiped, futures are rebuilt. And it all happens quietly, without fanfare.

The Envelope Arrives. And So Does the Car. And the Miracle.
He may not show up at your event, but the envelope arrives. And sometimes, it’s more than an envelope. It’s a car. It’s a scholarship. It’s a lifeline.

He once read a newspaper story about a woman near the Seme border whose only source of livelihood—her market stall—had been destroyed. No fanfare. No press release. Just a quiet dispatch: find her, restore her, bless her. He dropped millions. Her tears were replaced with testimony.

From flood victims to students, from hospitals to cultural centers, his giving is strategic, soulful, and often anonymous. He has paid medical bills for strangers, funded education for thousands, and built opportunities and restored dignity for friends, associates, and complete strangers. The scale is vast. The style is silent. The pocket is deep.

The Billionaire Who Opted Out
He once asked to be removed from a global billionaire list. Not because he lacked wealth—but because he lacked interest. For him, wealth is not a scoreboard. It is a stewardship.

Global Echoes of Quiet Generosity
His style finds echoes in the lives of two other billionaires who redefined wealth through silence and service.

This is not a comparison of amounts or methods. It is a portrait of a man who gives generously and prefers to disappear from the wealth conversation.

Chuck Feeney, co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers, gave away over $8 billion during his lifetime, often anonymously. He wore a $15 watch, flew economy, and lived in a rented apartment. His “Giving While Living” philosophy inspired a generation of philanthropists.

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, stunned the business world by donating his billion-dollar company to a trust dedicated to environmental causes. He didn’t sell. He didn’t cash out. He simply gave it away—because impact mattered more than ownership.

Like Adenuga, these men understood that true wealth is not measured in rankings, but in reach. His joy is not in being the richest. It is in spreading joy—quietly, consistently, and on a scale you don’t often see.

A Building for the Lord
During his mother’s burial in Ijebu-Igbo, he built a beautiful edifice to host guests. The moment the ceremony ended, he handed the building over to the church—for the Lord’s work. The gesture speaks volumes about how his mind works: build, bless, move on.

Legacy Without Noise
He has redefined what it means to be powerful. Not by dominating headlines, but by dominating hearts. His companies have created over 100,000 jobs. His fiber-optic investments have given Africa digital independence. His philanthropy has restored dignity to the forgotten.

Yet he remains rarely seen, hardly heard—but always felt.

Mike Adenuga is not in competition with anyone. Because impact, for him, is not a race. It is a rhythm. And it plays, quietly, in the background of lives transformed.

By Olabode Opeseitan | Editorial Architect

Davido Meets French President Emmanuel Macron, Brings Entire Crew to France

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Nigerian music superstar Davido has once again made headlines — not just for his music, but for his strategic influence on the global stage. The singer recently traveled to France with his entire team to meet French President Emmanuel Macron, engaging in discussions that highlight his growing international footprint.

Fans and observers have praised Davido’s approach, noting that his moves are calculated and impactful, reflecting both his business acumen and global vision. From collaborations with international artists to strategic partnerships and now diplomatic-level engagements, the Afrobeats icon continues to expand his influence beyond the music industry.

“Davido is really out here meeting world leaders and making moves that are strategic for himself and for African music and culture,” a fan tweeted. “Every single move deserves applause.” 👏

This visit underscores a new era for African artists, where cultural influence meets international diplomacy and business strategy. Davido’s presence at such a high-profile meeting sends a clear message: African talent is not only recognized but also respected at the highest levels of global leadership.

As he continues to bridge entertainment, business, and international relations, Davido remains a role model for emerging African artists, proving that music can open doors to platforms that influence global conversations.

 

Nigeria’s Federal Revenue Jumps 68% to ₦20.98 Trillion in 2024, Driven by Non-Oil Earnings — Budget Office

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Nigeria’s federal revenue surged by 68% in 2024 to ₦20.98 trillion, according to the latest Budget Implementation Report released by the Budget Office of the Federation, signaling one of the strongest fiscal performances in recent years.

The report attributed the impressive growth primarily to a sharp increase in non-oil revenue, which rose to ₦16.09 trillion — a significant leap reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to diversify its income base away from oil dependence.

According to the document, the rise in non-oil revenue was fueled by robust collections from Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise Duties, and the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). Analysts say this indicates improved tax compliance, better enforcement, and digitalization of revenue systems across key government agencies.

Despite the overall improvement, oil revenue continued to underperform, falling short of its target by ₦4.93 trillion. The shortfall, the report noted, was due to production constraints, crude theft, and fluctuating international oil prices, which continue to weigh on Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.

“The decline in oil revenue remains a major concern, underscoring the need for accelerated reforms in the petroleum sector,” the report stated.

In a related development, the Budget Office also highlighted steady growth in external trade, with Nigeria’s total trade volume reaching ₦36.6 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2024. The figure represents a moderate rise in export activity amid global economic uncertainties and tighter international financing conditions.

Experts say the data reflects Nigeria’s gradual economic recovery, buoyed by improved tax administration and non-oil sector resilience, but warn that the government must sustain its diversification drive to reduce vulnerability to oil market volatility.

Fiscal analysts have also urged authorities to channel the increased revenue toward infrastructure, social welfare, and debt reduction, noting that sustained growth in non-oil sectors could strengthen Nigeria’s medium-term fiscal stability.

The Budget Office’s report forms part of the federal government’s quarterly monitoring framework, designed to assess revenue performance, expenditure efficiency, and progress toward macroeconomic targets under the 2024 fiscal plan.

Angola to Launch First Major Copper Mine as Tetelo Project Begins Production

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Angola is set to begin production at its first major copper mine, the Tetelo project, marking a significant step in the country’s push to diversify its economy and reduce long-standing dependence on oil exports.

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum, and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, announced the development on Thursday, describing the project as a cornerstone in Angola’s broader strategy to strengthen its mining industry and attract foreign investment into non-oil sectors.

Valued at $250 million, the Tetelo Copper Mine is owned and operated by China’s Shining Star Icarus, and will begin production with an estimated annual output of 25,000 metric tons of copper concentrate during its first two years of operation.

Located in central Angola, the mine will initially operate as an open-pit site, with plans to transition into underground mining by the second half of 2026 as exploration and infrastructure development advance.

“This project represents a key milestone for Angola’s mining sector,” Minister Azevedo said. “It reinforces our vision to position the country as a leading mineral producer in Africa and to create sustainable jobs for our citizens.”

The Tetelo project is part of Angola’s broader initiative to expand its mineral portfolio, which includes iron ore, rare earths, gold, and lithium, alongside the continued modernization of its regulatory framework to attract more private sector participation.

Analysts note that global demand for copper—widely used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and electronics—has created new economic opportunities for resource-rich African nations seeking to reposition themselves in global supply chains.

By launching the Tetelo mine, Angola joins other regional producers like Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to leverage copper exports as a sustainable revenue source amid the global transition to green energy.

Minister Azevedo added that the government would continue to support infrastructure development, local content participation, and environmental safeguards to ensure responsible mining practices under the project.

With Tetelo’s commencement, Angola is poised to strengthen its position in the global minerals market while advancing its long-term goal of economic diversification and industrial transformation beyond oil.

 

Federal Government Reaffirms Commitment to Financial Inclusion Through Digital Identity and Smart Regulation

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The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to accelerating financial inclusion through the adoption of digital identity systems, technology-driven innovation, and enabling regulatory frameworks.

Speaking at Semafor’s Next 3 Billion Tour held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, said the government remains focused on reforms designed to integrate more Nigerians into the formal financial system under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite noted that digital identity will serve as a foundation for inclusive growth, facilitating access to banking, credit, and other essential financial services for millions of citizens currently excluded from the formal economy.

“Trusted digital identity is the backbone of inclusive finance. It enables transparency, supports innovation, and builds the confidence required for individuals and businesses to participate in the economy,” she said.

The minister further emphasized that fintech innovation and smart, adaptive regulation will play central roles in expanding access to affordable financial services, empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and driving sustainable economic development.

She added that the government is working with key stakeholders — including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and development partners — to streamline policies that promote interoperability, data protection, and consumer trust within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

According to Uzoka-Anite, the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes digital transformation, financial access, and entrepreneurship as critical levers for inclusive growth, especially in rural and underserved communities.

Nigeria’s financial inclusion drive has recorded progress in recent years, with millions of citizens gaining access to digital wallets, mobile banking, and electronic payment systems. However, experts note that closing the remaining inclusion gap will require coordinated efforts across identity, infrastructure, and education.

The Abuja event, part of Semafor’s Next 3 Billion Tour series, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and innovators to discuss strategies for expanding digital and financial access to the world’s next three billion connected individuals.

 

Nigeria Imports 69% of Petrol Supply Despite Rising Output from Dangote Refinery — NMDPRA

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New data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has revealed that Nigeria imported nearly 69% of its petrol supply—about 15 billion litres—between August 2024 and October 2025, underscoring the country’s continued dependence on fuel imports despite growing domestic refining capacity.

According to the report, local refining accounted for roughly 31% of national petrol demand during the 14-month period, marking a modest but steady rise in domestic production compared to previous years.

The NMDPRA noted that the Dangote Refinery, which began operations in early 2024, played a pivotal role in the shift toward local supply, producing an average of 20 million litres of petrol daily. However, imported products continued to dominate Nigeria’s downstream market, reflecting the ongoing challenges in achieving full energy self-sufficiency.

“The data indicates that while local refining has improved, imports still remain a key component of Nigeria’s petrol supply chain,” the report stated. “The sector is currently in a transition phase, balancing the ramp-up of domestic production with ongoing import contracts and market dynamics.”

Analysts say the findings highlight the slow pace of Nigeria’s fuel market transformation, as infrastructure bottlenecks, pricing concerns, and competition from established importers continue to limit the full absorption of locally refined products.

Despite these challenges, the NMDPRA report points to gradual progress in reducing import dependence, as refineries like Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith Refinery, and the Port Harcourt Refinery (once fully operational) are expected to boost domestic capacity significantly in the coming years.

Industry observers believe the next phase of reform will hinge on pricing alignment, logistics optimization, and consistent crude supply to local refineries, enabling Nigeria to meet its national fuel demand sustainably while conserving foreign exchange.

The report also underscores the government’s broader strategy under the Renewed Hope Energy Agenda, which aims to achieve energy security, local content development, and market efficiency through strategic regulatory interventions and private sector participation.

 

From Watford to Worldwide Fame: Tracing KSI’s Nigerian Roots and Extraordinary Rise

Nothing succeeds like success, and few stories exemplify that more than the meteoric rise of KSI, the UK’s biggest YouTuber, boxer, rapper, and entrepreneur. Behind the glitz, millions of subscribers, and headline-making ventures lies a story of hardship, family sacrifice, and resilience rooted in his Nigerian heritage.

On the day of his AS-Level results, KSI, born Olajide Olatunji, reportedly locked himself in the bathroom for 30 minutes as news of his disastrous grades reached his parents. His mother, Yinka, was said to have screamed and thrown glasses around the kitchen, while his father, Jide, sat with his head in his hands. The household in Watford was tense, reflecting the pressure and expectations of a family that had invested heavily in his future.

KSI’s parents immigrated to the UK from Nigeria as teenagers, determined to create a better life for their children. They scrimped, saved, and even went into debt to cover the £23,000 annual tuition at Berkhamsted School, a prestigious private institution. Jide, 58, ran a bingo hall, while Yinka, now 57, worked as a personal assistant. KSI has often spoken about witnessing his parents’ struggles firsthand, describing it as “being a kid and seeing how s**t it was” for them as they worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for him and his brother, Deji Olatunji.

Today, KSI’s journey reads like a modern-day rags-to-riches tale. At 27 years old, he is a £24 million social media mogul, entrepreneur, and entertainer. He owns ten properties in London and resides in a £10 million mansion, all while maintaining a relatively private personal life. His ventures include boxing, music, and the wildly successful PRIME energy drink brand, which he co-founded with Logan Paul.

KSI’s latest venture marks his entry into mainstream television. He has been announced as a judge on the new series of Britain’s Got Talent, temporarily replacing Bruno Tonioli during the first round of auditions in Blackpool while Tonioli is in the US for America’s version of Strictly Come Dancing. Industry insiders suggest that his participation will introduce a younger, digitally savvy audience to the show, further expanding his influence beyond social media and music.

Remarkably, KSI’s life and career have already become a subject of academic study, with UK A-Level media students analyzing his rise to fame, entrepreneurial strategies, and mastery of digital branding.

From a Nigerian immigrant household in Watford to commanding global platforms in entertainment and business, KSI’s story is a testament to perseverance, family sacrifice, and the power of leveraging digital media to achieve extraordinary success.

As he continues to expand into television and beyond, KSI’s trajectory shows no signs of slowing, cementing his status not just as a content creator, but as a multi-faceted cultural icon.

Source: Daily Mail

South African Referee Akhona Makalima Misses Out on CAF Training Camp List

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Popular South African referee Akhona Makalima has been left out of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) list for the upcoming referees’ training camp scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt.

The omission of Makalima — one of Africa’s most recognized female referees — has drawn attention across the football community, given her consistent presence at major continental and international tournaments in recent years.

CAF’s training camp serves as a preparatory exercise for top referees ahead of key competitions, providing advanced technical, physical, and VAR certification sessions.

While CAF has not issued an official explanation for her absence, sources suggest that selection for the Cairo camp was highly competitive, with only referees meeting stringent performance and fitness criteria making the final cut.

Makalima, who made history as the first female referee to officiate in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL), has earned global recognition for her trailblazing career, including appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and several CAF Women’s Champions League tournaments.

Her absence from the upcoming training session is seen as a temporary setback, though football analysts expect her to return to the CAF refereeing roster in future events, citing her experience and professionalism.

CAF’s Cairo training camp will feature referees and assistant referees from across the continent, focusing on enhancing officiating standards and ensuring consistency ahead of the next round of African competitions.

 

15-Year-Old Zambian Innovator Mwape Chimpampa Develops Affordable Natural Sunscreen for People with Albinism

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At just 15 years old, Mwape Chimpampa from Zambia is emerging as one of Africa’s most inspiring young innovators — using science and compassion to make a real difference in her community.

Motivated by her personal experience living with albinism, and that of her younger sister, Mwape set out to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by people with the condition — limited access to affordable sunscreen.

Her solution is a natural, low-cost sunscreen made from locally sourced ingredients such as carrot extract, shea butter, and coconut oil, providing effective protection against harmful ultraviolet rays while remaining accessible to families in underserved areas.

“I wanted to create something that people like me could afford and trust,” Mwape said, explaining that her goal was to ensure that individuals with albinism can live more comfortably and confidently under Zambia’s intense sun.

Mwape’s innovative formula has garnered praise from local scientists, educators, and human rights advocates, who see her project as both a health breakthrough and a statement of empowerment.

Experts note that skin cancer remains a serious concern for people with albinism across sub-Saharan Africa, where sunscreen products are often expensive or unavailable. Mwape’s initiative not only addresses this gap but also promotes local innovation and sustainable production.

Her work has sparked growing interest from youth innovation programs and social entrepreneurs, who are exploring ways to help her scale production and distribute the sunscreen to more communities across Zambia.

As a young changemaker, Mwape represents a new generation of African innovators — using creativity, empathy, and science to drive solutions that combine health, inclusion, and hope.

14-Year-Old Angolan Basketball Prodigy Leonel Despacho Takes U.S. Youth Circuit by Storm

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From the courts of Angola to the competitive arenas of the United States, 14-year-old Leonel Despacho is quickly emerging as one of Africa’s brightest young basketball prospects — and the world is starting to take notice.

Currently playing for Blue Wave Elite in Maine, Despacho has captured global attention after a viral highlight reel showcased his explosive athleticism, court vision, and remarkable skill for his age.

The young guard recently led his team to victory at New York’s Made Hoops Shootout, where he stunned spectators with nine dunks in a single game, an extraordinary feat that underscored his dominance and raw talent.

Coaches and analysts describe Leonel as a complete player — combining speed, vertical power, and game IQ beyond his years. His performance has sparked growing interest from basketball scouts and development programs across the U.S. and Africa.

“Leonel plays with heart and confidence,” said one youth basketball coach at the tournament. “He’s not just athletic — he understands the game at a level that sets him apart.”

Born and raised in Angola, Despacho began playing basketball at a young age, drawing inspiration from African stars who made it to the global stage. His transition to competitive basketball in the U.S. has provided new opportunities to refine his talent while representing Angola’s next generation of athletes.

Beyond his highlight performances, Leonel is praised for his discipline, humility, and infectious love for the game, qualities that have earned him respect from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

As Angola continues to invest in youth sports and basketball development, many see Leonel Despacho as a symbol of the country’s rising potential on the international stage.

With his mix of talent, work ethic, and charisma, the 14-year-old phenom is poised to become one of the most exciting young players to watch — not just in Africa, but in the global basketball scene.