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Nigerian engineer and fintech expert, Raphael Obodugo, is leading a quiet revolution in Africa’s digital economy with his innovation, GistPool, a platform that transforms everyday conversations into tradable data and measurable value.

In just a few months, GistPool has hosted over 500 live markets, recorded more than $780,000 in trading volume, and attracted thousands of active users across categories such as politics, sports, and entertainment.

The startup is redefining how Africans engage online, turning social chatter into a structured, knowledge-based trading system.

According to him, ‘Africa’s real market isn’t just its economy; it’s its people. Our conversations drive culture, politics, and even finance. We speculate naturally, on elections, sports, and trends, without realizing we’re constantly pricing in emotion and expectation.’

For Obodugo, the journey to building one of Africa’s most talked-about digital prediction platforms began in an unlikely place, a seminary high school. Admitted as the top candidate among over 700 applicants, he spent six years there on scholarship, learning discipline, reflection, and the power of influence through ideas.

‘It was a place that taught silence and intellectual rigor,’ he recalled. ‘I learned that ideas could command respect without a raised voice, a lesson that still shapes how I build and communicate.’

A naturally gifted learner, Obodugo’s teenage years were marked by a deep curiosity about patterns and systems. He and a close group of friends often gathered to solve problems and debate concepts – a self-made think tank he now describes as his ‘local Vienna Circle.’

By the time he entered university to study mechanical engineering, he had already taught himself software programming. ‘I realised what fascinated me most wasn’t machinery but systems that mirrored human behavior, the interplay between structure and spontaneity,’ he said.

Over the past decade, Obodugo has built and led engineering teams across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, gaining the cross-cultural experience that would later define GistPool’s architecture.

He currently leads engineering at Derayah Finance in Saudi Arabia, overseeing large-scale trading systems. Previously, he served as a Founding Engineer at HitPay, a Singapore-based payment platform now used across Southeast Asia, and at Rollee Finance in Europe, where he helped design open-banking and income verification systems for clients across the EU.

In West Africa, he built MySub, a group-payments platform that scaled to tens of thousands of users without venture capital funding. ‘That experience taught me agility and cultural fit,’ he said. ‘We grew on trust and word of mouth, not marketing spend.’

His admission into Toptal, the global network for the top 3% of engineers, gave him access to high-calibre global projects and further shaped his engineering discipline. ‘It exposed me to standards that made reliability my most important feature,’ he said.

Obodugo’s years in fintech gave him one enduring insight, that Africa’s most valuable marketplace isn’t only in goods or currency, but in people’s thoughts.

‘Fintech is about psychology,’ he explained. ‘It’s about how people perceive value and risk, how they save, share, and speculate. The infrastructure matters, but the instincts matter more.’

With that philosophy, he built GistPool, a platform that turns Africa’s natural culture of debate into a structured, transparent, and rewarding system.

Yet, introducing such a new concept wasn’t easy. ‘Our biggest challenge was comprehension, not competition,’ he said. ‘At first, people mistook it for gambling. We had to show it was about knowledge and prediction, not luck.’

By focusing on culturally familiar topics, elections, sports, entertainment, and even gossip, GistPool bridged the gap between curiosity and commerce. Its early success, entirely organic, proved that Africans were ready for a platform that monetised insight and opinion.

Asked how he stays motivated amid skepticism, Obodugo smiled. ‘Every transformative idea looks absurd before it looks brilliant,’ he said. ‘When people doubt you, it means you’re working ahead of consensus.’

He credits Nigeria’s resilience for shaping his entrepreneurial spirit. ‘This country teaches you to build structure where none exists. You keep moving because the alternative is stagnation.’

For Obodugo, GistPool is not just a tech product but an evolving experiment in data and collective intelligence. His long-term goal is to make GistPool the pulse of Africa’s digital sentiment, a living mirror of what people are thinking, feeling, and predicting in real time.

‘In the future, we want conversation itself to become a measurable asset class,’ he said. ‘Imagine knowing national mood not through surveys, but through live trading sentiment. Imagine governments, brands, and institutions using that intelligence to make better decisions.’

Already, GistPool is in talks to establish regional data partnerships that will position it as Africa’s leading index for digital sentiment. The platform’s next phase includes scaling to over one million active users and integrating real-time analytics for businesses and policy institutions.

‘If we can prove that Africa’s chatter can move markets,’ Obodugo said, ‘then GistPool won’t just be a company, it will be a landmark in how the continent turns culture into capital.’

For the third consecutive edition, the Golden Eaglets – once synonymous with global dominance – have failed to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Flying Eagles’ struggles are equally glaring, as nations like Ghana and Morocco have overtaken Nigeria in the youth hierarchy, with Morocco recently crowned U-20 world champions in 2025.

On the women’s side, the Flamingos and Falconets, who once offered glimmers of hope, have also faltered – their consistent podium dreams now reduced to occasional flashes of potential.

What went wrong? How did a country that once groomed future legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala lose its footing so dramatically?

A top official of Golden Eaglets, who served during Nigeria’s triumphant campaigns in 2013 and 2015, believes complacency and poor planning have crippled the youth football system.

‘It’s quite unfortunate that we have found ourselves in this position,’ he lamented. ‘Winning used to be our birth-right. All we had to do was show up and take the trophy.’

He recalled how the Golden Eaglets’ past glories were built on meticulous long-term preparation and clear developmental pathways.

‘In 2013, we began preparations as early as December 2011 in Calabar, and our first competitive match didn’t come until almost a year later. That’s how teams were moulded,’ he explained. ‘But these days, camps are opened barely a month to qualifiers, leaving coaches scrambling to select and train players. That’s not how champions are built.’

He argued that Nigeria’s failure is not about a lack of talent but the absence of structure and consistency.

‘Talent has never been our problem – preparation is. Those 2013 and 2015 squads had structure, motivation, and discipline. Today, we’ve replaced planning with fire-brigade approaches.’

The official also lamented the disappearance of incentive systems that once kept young players motivated.

‘Back then, little gestures like showing the players their bonuses before games made them fight harder. These boys come from humble backgrounds; motivation matters. Today, that human touch is gone.’

Former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles player Taiwo Enegwea readily admitted that the decline stems from the shrinking window for preparation and grooming.

‘During our era, we used at least a year, sometimes more, to prepare. Now, they have one month – or even less. That’s not enough time to build a cohesive team,’ Enegwea who currently work as an assistant to Coach Emmanuel Amuneke at Heartland FC of Owerri, told Nation Sport.

Enegwea emphasized that consistent preparation creates familiarity and chemistry among players, which can’t be achieved through hurried camps.

‘We must start early and keep these boys together long enough to understand each other. If not, every set comes in as strangers, and we expect miracles,’ he stated.

He called on the NFF to return to the model of structured, year-round development programmes that feed directly into the youth national teams: ‘We need to plan ahead, so by the time qualifiers come, the team already understands the philosophy. That’s how we can revive the Golden Eaglets legacy.’

Erstwhile Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze who first came into international limelight at the inaugural UEFA-CAF Meridian Cup held in Portugal in 1997, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the problem is not only about time but integrity in player selection.

‘The players must see the national team as a platform to make a name for themselves,’ the former PAOK Thessaloniki and West Bromwich Albion defender said. ‘The coaches, too, must be honest in their selection. Pick players with hunger and determination to excel, not those brought in through influence.’

The Super Eagles left back at Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup warned that Nigeria’s youth football will continue to falter unless merit and commitment become the only yardsticks for national team invitations.

‘You can’t win with politics. We used to have players who would fight for the badge. That passion has to return,’ quipped Udeze.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation President Mallam Ibrahim Gusau has admitted that the current state of youth football development is worrisome but insists that the federation is taking concrete steps to rebuild from the ground up.

‘I must be worried because the future of our football starts from the youth level,’ Gusau stated. ‘The good news is that the NFF and FIFA have come up with talent development programmes for Under-15 boys and girls. We’re very high on it – we’re starting afresh.’

Gusau revealed that the federation is ending the era of ad-hoc screening exercises that assemble teams from scratch weeks before major competitions.

‘In the near future, it won’t be business as usual. We’re creating structured development centres in every zone. Our Under-15 players will be groomed from these centres, ensuring continuity and proper monitoring.’

To support the new framework, Gusau disclosed plans for new infrastructure, including a dedicated hostel facility where young players will train and live during school holidays.

‘We must create an enabling environment to allow our young players stay together long enough to understand themselves and the coaches’ philosophies. That’s why we’re building this hostel. From there, they can grow through the ranks into the U-17, U-20, and beyond.’

He also emphasized the need for coaches to have more time with their teams:’ They need time to instil tactical understanding and build team spirit. The days of assembling players randomly before tournaments must end. With this new plan, our future stars will be nurtured systematically.’

Nigeria’s youth football system stands today at a critical juncture – between nostalgia for past glory and the reality of present decay. The Golden Eaglets’ absence from consecutive World Cups, the Flying Eagles’ inconsistency, and the underwhelming returns from the Falconets and Flamingos all point to a system that needs rebuilding, not patchwork solutions.

Yet, amid the gloom, there are glimmers of hope. With Gusau’s renewed grassroots focus and FIFA-backed initiatives in motion, the country might just be taking its first real steps toward reclaiming its lost dominance.

As the Golden Eaglets top official aptly summarized :’Our talent has never been in doubt. All we need is proper planning, structure, and the will to do things right. Once we get that right, Nigeria will rise again.’

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on election of two Nigerians as secretary-general and president of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, Qatar.

At the meeting, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, was elected as Secretary-General of the GECF and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

Ambassador Tuggar, in a statement yesterday, described these dual milestones as Nigeria’s historic diplomatic achievement and clear testaments to President Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy engagements and his strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He further highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of Nigeria’s candidature through Nigeria’s missions to GECF member states, formally launching the campaign, and its engagement with African member states requesting unified support for Nigeria’s candidature.

‘In addition, Nigeria’s missions were activated to engage and lobby voting members, in close coordination with bilateral engagements conducted at key summits such as the BRICS Summit (Brazil) and the African Union 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (Malabo, Equatorial Guinea). The process also benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s candidature received broad-based support,’ the minister said.

Ambassador Tuggar also hailed Mshelbila and Ekpo for bringing stellar credentials and experience to their new international roles, describing their elections as ‘victories not only for Nigeria, but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance’.

The minister was confident that both men will strengthen the GECF’s role in driving global energy transition, promoting equitable resource management, and advancing sustainable development.

The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to continue aligning diplomatic engagements with President Tinubu’s broader vision of a reformed, respected, and economically vibrant Nigeria, whose foreign policy continues to deliver tangible benefits for its citizens.

Sporting Lagos are through to the final of the 13th Gold Cup pre-season tournament after a close 1-0 victory over former champions, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and will face FC Ebedei on Saturday in the grand finale.

The star semi-final game was a true test of tactical maturity and attacking depth, as both teams fought hard to get the opening goal.

It was a goalless first 45 minutes, with no clear-cut chance at scoring, but the play was an entertaining one, as they kept fans spellbound.

The second half was as entertaining as the first, but the tactical genius of Coach Jeffrey Buter was the tonic for Sporting Lagos.

The introduction of the duo of Shola Oladunjoye and Ibrahim Abdulganniyu in the 70th minute was the game-changer for Sporting Lagos, as they increased the intensity of the game with their high pressing.

No sooner had Shola Oladunjoiye come in, the first real chance for Sporting Lagos came. Abdulganniyu dazzled into the Lobi Stars box to set up an inviting assist for Oladunjoye to slice into the net for the only goal.

The win ensured Sporting Lagos their first final, and will now slug it out with Ebedei FC who eliminated Crown FC 4-2 on penalties after a goalless full time.

First Bank’s sponsored Python Amateur Golf Open Championship has attracted 300 players from within and outside the country to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Speaking at the Port Harcourt Golf Course, the Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Group, Olusegun Alebiosu, said the bank would also host the 65th edition of its Lagos Open Golf Tournament on 20th November.

He underscored the bank’s commitment to supporting sports development in the country emphasising the importance of sports in nation-building and societal development.

Alebiosu said apart from golf, the bank was also sponsoring other sporting events such as football, basketball, tennis and polo.

He said: ‘Golf is not about being rich. I started playing golf when I was a nobody. The basic thing is buying the club, and some of us started with second-hand clubs.

‘It’s about sport and golf. At First Bank, we support sports across the country. Today is about golf, next week Sunday it will be about polo in Kaduna . We have been doing that for over a century.

‘In November we are going to see golf in Lagos specifically that is about on the 20th where we are doing the 65th edition of our golf tournament in Lagos. It is called Lagos Open, players come all over the world to come and play in Lagos Open’.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Raphael Onoshakpo, said the Port Harcourt Open was a seven-day competition produced winners, who received various gifts.

Onoshakpo attributed the growing interest in golf to the lockdown period, saying it saw a surge in people taking up the sport.

He noted that the Python Golf Club had become a major hub for golfing, with a full training facility that had churned out over 200 new golfers in the past.

Kessington Adebutu’s Wish At the remarkable age of 90, High Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu KJW stands as a paragon of success and resilience, widely regarded as one of the most favored individuals by his creator. His life has been characterized by not only immense wealth but also exceptional health, surpassing Nigeria’s average life expectancy of just 54 years. From an early age, Adebutu exhibited the qualities of a promising young man with a future brimming with potential. Through a combination of hard work, fortuitous circumstances, and unwavering determination, he transformed his gaming business into an industry leader, earning him widespread recognition.

A hallmark of Adebutu’s business philosophy has been his commitment to integrity. Even while overseeing high-stakes gaming, he demonstrated his dedication to fairness by taking bank overdrafts to settle winnings, prioritizing his players’ satisfaction over his immediate financial concerns. This steadfast approach has allowed his premier lottery business to become one of the longest-standing gaming platforms in Nigeria, evolving over the years and expanding its reach beyond the nation’s borders.

As he approaches his milestone birthday, many are celebrating Adebutu’s legacy with a series of activities, including significant charitable donations. His wealth has been built not only on business acumen but also through a profound commitment to philanthropy. Adebutu has made substantial investments in transformative projects that have significantly impacted many lives throughout Nigeria. His initiatives have included donating buildings, funding research, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting royal institutions, and fostering economic sustainability. These endeavors have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of Nigeria’s most noteworthy philanthropists, often without seeking public recognition for his contributions.

At 90, the title of Odole Oodua resonates deeply with Adebutu, who expresses gratitude for his life experiences. He lives fully, savoring the richness that life offers, while remaining dedicated to leaving an enduring legacy. Known for his love of vintage cars and timeless watches, he exemplifies a refined sense of style that belies his advanced age. Adebutu is a true fashion connoisseur, always presenting himself as sharp, classy, and impeccably groomed.

Throughout his life, Adebutu has harbored silent wishes, some of which he has seen come to fruition while others remain unfulfilled. He has resolved, before meeting his creator, to see his remaining aspirations realized. As he nears 90, he fervently wishes to be called ‘Father of the Governor of Ogun State’ and yearns for his youngest twin children to celebrate their wedding while he is still alive to witness it. Sources close to him indicate that he has consistently prayed for these two desires to be granted, and with a faith rooted in a lifetime of experience, he believes that, just as his creator has always listened to his prayers, these two wishes will also come to pass while he continues to thrive on this earth.

A financially stable Africa’s financial system comes with great benefits for the continent. Aside creating a larger single market, increasing intra-African trade, boosting productivity and competitiveness, a financially stable Africa will help in attracting more foreign direct investment to the continent. That explains why the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Angola signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral technical cooperation at the just concluded 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington DC.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, who signed on behalf of the Bank alongside the Governor of the Central Bank of Angola, Manuel Antonio Tiago Diaz, noted that the MoU aligns with Africa’s broader goals of economic integration and financial stability. Both apex bank leaders said the partnership marks a critical development between the two institutions in their efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation and technical exchange.

By the MoU, the two institutions are expected to establish a bilateral forum for the reciprocal exchange and sharing of technical assistance between the authorities, to enhance capacity in the execution of their respective Central Bank functions. They are also expected to cooperate and collaborate in the cross-border supervision of authorised institutions and exchange of cybersecurity information between them.

According to them, the institutions are to partner on licensing, supervision, resolution planning and implementation of resolution measures for cross-border financial establishments. They are also to ensure transparent and smooth periodic exchange of information as well as define procedures for exchange of information. The cooperation will also extend to exchange control, financial markets and foreign reserves management, currency management and economic research.

The partnership further extends to payment, clearing and settlement systems management, financial sector development, banking supervision and regulation as well as Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. Both central bank leaders said it is their hope that the outcome of the MoU implementation will be a win-win for both parties.

Nigeria investors’ forum in Washington DC

As part of sustained efforts to boost investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s economic outlook, Cardoso and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, engaged global investors at a high-level forum on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Fall Meetings in Washington, D.C. They were joined by CBN Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Dr. Mohammed Abdullahi; Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy, Mrs. Sanyade Okoli; and other key government officials.

The session offered a comprehensive update on Nigeria’s ongoing macroeconomic reforms, enhanced fiscal-monetary coordination, and the policy measures shaping the country’s growth trajectory. Governor Cardoso highlighted sustained stability in the foreign exchange market, steady accumulation of external reserves, and growing investor participation across fixed income and equities. Discussions emphasised how coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, supported by market transparency and strategic infrastructure reforms, are laying the foundation for durable, private-sector-led growth. ‘Nigeria’s focus remains clear: strengthening our fundamentals, advancing reforms, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable investment and growth. We are encouraged by the progress made so far and remain confident that ongoing reforms are laying a stronger foundation for a more resilient economy,’ Cardoso said.

The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy consistency and continued reform momentum, creating an environment that is open, transparent, and attractive to long-term capital. Participants expressed optimism that Nigeria’s strengthened institutions, enhanced investor trust, and ongoing reforms will continue to drive sustainable growth and broaden opportunities for all stakeholders.

Building restructured, resilient economy

Nigeria’s economy has been fully restructured and is now resilient, with huge buffers against global risks, Cardoso declared said. He spoke during the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) press briefing in US. Cardoso, who is the leader of the Nigeria delegation at the meetings, said the naira has equally emerged as a competitive currency, with the economy witnessing positive trade balances and large businesses moving from imports to export of locally produced goods and commodities.

According to him, the positive economic indicators have combined to create resilient and strong buffers, keeping the economy in great shapes. Speaking on the impact of the trade tariffs on the domestic economy, the CBN boss said the tariffs are less of problems for the country. ‘And for us again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed to the tariffs, and the impact of that was relatively modest. We now have a more competitive currency with the results that, for once, we have a situation where we have a positive balance of trade surplus, and we expect it to be six per cent in GDP for some time,’ he said.

‘So basically, what is happening is a complete restructuring of the economy, where we are encouraging people to go into domestic production, and, of course, discouraging imports.

‘And I think we were very fortunate, because a lot of the things that were needed to have been done, we did them much earlier, and as a result of that, we’re able to create resilience and buffers against potential shocks,’ he stated.

Cardoso explained that oil was the oil commodity that was exposed to the trade tariffs, but the impact was equally modest. ‘So, and of course, in terms of anchoring expectations, we found that those who followed the Nigerian economy were fairly comfortable. And for us, again, oil is basically the only commodity that was so exposed, and the impact of that was relatively modest,’ he said.

He said the G-24 has played significant role in finding solutions to global challenges, through dialogue and exchange of ideas with global financial institutions. He said although global growth has been slow, but not as behind as would have been expected to be.

In his remarks, G-24 Chairman, Pablo Quirno noted that recent adverse shocks in global economy have left growth below pre-pandemic levels, with rising policy uncertainties creating substantial medium-term headwinds. ‘Emerging market and developing economies have faced deteriorating terms of trade, reduced export volumes, and declining foreign currency earnings. Many of these countries have implemented domestic policies to mitigate uncertainty, but constrained policy space underscores the urgent need for collective solutions supported by multilateral institutions,’ he said

IMF’s views on reforms benefits

The reforms in exchange rate and monetary policy tightening of the CBN played significant role in the gradual drop of inflation rate to 18.02 per cent in September, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Director of the Africa Department, Abebe Selassie said. Speaking during the Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa session in Washington DC, he said the Fund is encouraged by the September inflation rate, but advised that the government do more to bring down the cost of living for the people.

Nigeria’s inflation rate dropped to 18.02 per cent in September 2025, down from 20.12 per cent in August, marking a six-month streak of decline and the lowest rate in over three years. Selassie said the economic reforms will further support the projected 3.9 per cent growth for 2025, and 4.1 per cent growth for 2026. He said that to rein in inflation, the CBN tightened policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

Selassie said the use of orthodoxy by halting central bank financing of government beyond statutory limits and re-anchoring monetary policy on its core mandate also supported the decline in inflation rate. He said the outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa is showing resilience, despite a challenging external environment with uneven prospects in commodity prices, still tight borrowing conditions, and a deterioration of the global trade and aid landscape.

‘Economic growth is projected to remain steady at 4.1 percent in 2025 with a modest pickup in 2026, supported by macroeconomic stabilization and reform e?ort in key economies. But this resilience cannot be taken for granted. Overlapping monetary, financial, external, and fiscal vulnerabilities are present in much of the region. Uncertainty persists and risks remain tilted to the downside. Domestic revenue mobilization and strengthened debt management, can help bolster macroeconomic stability while funding essential development needs,’ he said.

Selassie said the region has demonstrated remarkable resilience to a series of major shocks over the past several years, and it features several of the world’s fastest-growing economies, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda.

‘However, economic performance remains markedly weaker in resource intensive countries and in several conflict-affected states. In these economies, which represent most of the region’s population, gains in income per capita remain modest-around one per cent a year on average, and less in the poorest countries,’ he said.

He disclosed that fiscal fragility is a key vulnerability for much of the region, and especially lower-income countries while average public- debt ratios have stabilized but at an elevated level.

‘And the debt-service burden, in terms of interest payments relative to fiscal revenues, has increased steadily, rising far above its level in other regions and crowding out priority development expenditures, for instance in Kenya and Nigeria. Twenty countries in the region are at high risk of or in debt distress,’ he said.

Selassie explained that faced with high external borrowing costs and limited financial market access, governments across the region have increasingly shifted to domestic financing. Although this shift may help cushion external shocks and reduce exchange rate risk, it has not proved a panacea.

He said that the domestic cost of capital remains elevated across the region. ‘Local financial markets are underdeveloped-characterized by shallow depth, fragmentation, illiquidity, and high transaction costs and lending spreads. These structural weaknesses raise financing costs for both governments and firms and constrain the capacity to absorb debt, particularly longer-term instruments. Monetary instability and inflation, opaque financial sectors and debt exposures, and regulatory uncertainty intensify the problem,’ he stated. The Fund also lauded Nigeria’s tax reforms, determination to increase tax revenue and reduce spending.

Division Chief, Fiscal Affairs Department at IMF, Davide Furceri, said Nigeria has done significantly well in improving revenue through tax reforms and streamlining the tax code. He said: ‘I think on the revenue side, there is scope to improve revenue through reform of the tax administration – to increase revenue mobilization in a way that doesn’t outgrow, for example, tax reform. And actually, Nigeria has done quite a lot in the past years. I think many of the laws that have been passed have tried to streamline the tax code,’ he said.

‘These are policies that go in the right direction. On the spending side, there is scope to, on the one hand, improve the efficiency of the spending itself – and we also talk in the chapter about the gains that can be achieved when countries improve the efficiency and composition of spending – but also to increase social spending to address social vulnerability in the country,’ he added.

Speaking during a recent episode of the Culli Podcast, Odumodublvck said Skepta’s influence shaped his music, fashion, and overall outlook as an artist.

‘I’m sure he doesn’t even believe it when I say that if not for Skepta, I would not be here. I’m telling you brother, if not for Skepta I would not be here,’ he said.

Recalling his early struggles, the rapper explained how Skepta inspired him to embrace simplicity and confidence even when he lacked money to afford flashy clothes or accessories.

‘When we were coming up, we didn’t have money to buy clothes. But because I was a follower of Skepta, I realised that if you can get a tracksuit pant, a white T-shirt, and nice sneakers, you can still look cool and mash up the show-even without chains. This is entertainment, you have to look the part,’ he said.

Odumodublvck also credited Skepta for influencing his sound and mindset toward collaboration and creativity.

‘Skepta say, ‘If you know the hack, you tell your friend. Don’t hide it. The sky is big enough for everybody.’ Na Skepta teach us say you can make music that fits the radio, the stage, and still resonate with the streets at the same time,’ he added.

He concluded by describing Skepta as a true pioneer, saying his melodies and approach to modern rap helped him understand that hip-hop doesn’t always have to sound violent.

‘Skepta is the OG, bro. It’s more than the music too.’

In celebration of its Diamond Jubilee, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has conferred the prestigious Veteran Sports Journalist Award on Phemmy Adetula, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to sports journalism and development in Nigeria.

Phemmy Adetula’s illustrious career began in the early 1990s with Sunray Newspaper. He later joined Mastersports International as Producer of the popular Sports Extra on Africa Independent Television (AIT), before moving to SuperSport Nigeria as a Content Producer. In 2018, his leadership and dedication earned him election as Board Member and Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

In his remarks, Adetula who currently serves as Special Adviser on Sports to the APC National Youth Leader expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of SWAN for the honour, describing it as a humbling recognition of decades of passion and service to sports journalism.

‘This honour means a lot to me. I sincerely thank the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria for finding me worthy among so many outstanding colleagues. This gesture will continue to inspire me to give back even more to my colleagues and the sporting community,’ he said.

He dedicated the award to his family, colleagues, and to all sports journalists who have passed on, noting that their shared commitment continues to shape the growth of Nigerian sports media.

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ltd has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion through its sponsorship of the FinTribe Finance Fair 2025 for the second consecutive year.

Themed ‘Level Up,’ the fair aims to unite thousands of women, offering opportunities to learn, network, and access essential tools and resources for making informed financial and business decisions. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

For nearly 75 years, NBC has remained a key player in Nigeria’s socio-economic development, consistently investing in impactful initiatives designed to uplift people and communities. Women are integral to NBC’s value chain, serving as dynamic entrepreneurs, distributors, and retailers who drive business growth and innovation. Through diverse empowerment programmes and targeted incentive schemes, NBC actively enables these women to expand their businesses, enhance their livelihoods, and make significant contributions to the nation’s economic advancement.

The sponsorship of the FinTribe Finance Fair is a testament to NBC’s comprehensive sustainability agenda, which places a strong emphasis on advancing education, fostering inclusion, nurturing entrepreneurship, and promoting economic empowerment. NBC firmly believes that empowering women not only transforms individual lives but also creates ripple effects that uplift entire communities and positively shape future generations.