Category: Auto Guid

In April, a one Christopher Okello Oyum was charged with four counts of murder when he was alleged to have killed, with malice aforethought, four infants at the Ggaba Early Childhood Development Centre. He did not deny killing the children but stated that he did not act intentionally or deliberately, as he was suffering from a mental disease that was undetected when he was subjected to a mental health examination. During the trial, Okello stated that he was under the control of some people, whom he did not identify to court. This was the essence of his defence of insanity.

The defence of insanity seeks to do away with an essential requirement of malice aforethought, which is an ingredient of murder that must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. The insanity defence seeks to prove that the accused person did not have the intention to cause death or did not have the knowledge that such an act or omission would cause death. The onus was, therefore, on court to establish whether or not Okello was suffering from the disease of the mind when he killed the four infants, and whether or not he knew what he was doing was wrong by reason of that disease of the mind.

To court, Okello was the only person who testified that he had a mental illness when he killed the children. He did not, however, say the illness he was suffering from apart from the claim that he was under immense stress between January and March. To court, Okello seemed to be withholding information, especially when it came to disclosing the identities of the people who put him under stress. Apart from this claim, in court, there was no other evidence adduced to prove that Okello had a disease of the mind that would have availed him the defence of insanity.

Okello’s lawyers vehemently argued that the prosecution had failed to prove that when the offences were committed, Okello was of sound mind. To court this argument was not legally backed and was misguided, as it was Okello and his lawyers who raised the insanity as a defence and as such, the burden shifted to him in light of the presumption of sanity under the law.

Okello’s lawyers further insisted that there was evidence on record of Okello’s mental illness, and this came from the police psychiatrist, who examined him on April 7. The evidence indicated that Okello had a previous admission to Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital. However, on the day the psychiatrist examined him, Okello had normal behaviour, was calm and cooperative, and his speech was coherent. The doctor noted that his memory was intact and he exhibited good judgment. His thought process and content were normal, although he believed in obtaining wealth through human sacrifice. He was able to explain to the doctor that he got the idea when he recalled childhood folktales of getting wealth by sacrificing people.

The doctor also noted that Okello had a history of past mental illness and that between 2016 and 2025, he was treated for schizophrenia, which was associated with both auditory and visual hallucinations. Okello had apparently killed a younger brother some 10 years earlier, apparently to save him from the troubles of this world. He had also attempted suicide in 2023. To the doctor, the findings were suggestive of a mental condition with psychotic episodes. The doctor recommended that further mental assessment was necessary as there were no independent medical records to back Okello’s narrative; Okello was the sole source of this information.

Court observed that in the records of the psychiatrist, Butabika was not mentioned anywhere. When giving his defence, Okello never mentioned ever being admitted in Butabika. The only witness in the entire trial who made mention of the mental hospital was his elder brother, who testified that in 2020, he was made to understand that Okello was at the mental hospital. He told court that when he inquired why his brother was in Butabika, he was told by the officer-in-charge at the hospital that his brother’s case was very sensitive and declined to provide any further information. He further stated he left without knowing why his brother was admitted.

The prosecution alleged that Okello had murdered his younger half-brother called Freeman, and to escape criminal culpability, he was taken to the mental hospital to make it appear that the killing had been a result of a mental illness. It was from here that Okello was whisked to the US, where he stayed until 2025 when he returned to Uganda. Court found this argument persuasive and a likely explanation for concealing Okello’s illness from his brother. And to the court, there was no reason or justification as to why Okello did not mention his admission to Butabika to the police doctor or to any other person.

Okello’s elder brother told court that although they were siblings, they did not relate closely, and that he had not seen Okello in the past five years, but only saw him upon his arrest at the police station. He, further, did not confirm to the court that Okello had a known mental illness. In the absence of any medical records to show that Okello truly had a mental illness, court expected at least a family member of Okello to speak about his mental illness.

Kampala’s dining scene has evolved considerably over the past decade, with themed restaurants and specialty dining experiences becoming increasingly common. Among the establishments that have carved out a niche for themselves is Shisa Nyama Village in Bugolobi, Kampala, a venue inspired by South Africa’s famous braai culture.

For those unfamiliar with the term, ‘Shisa Nyama’ is a South African phrase that roughly translates to ‘burn meat’ and refers to the communal tradition of gathering around open flames to grill meat while enjoying drinks, conversation and music. It is less about fine dining and more about creating a social experience centred around food.

Ambience

Shisa Nyama Village embraces this philosophy from the moment one walks in. The restaurant’s layout is refreshingly uncomplicated. An open-plan design creates an informal atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling shades provide protection from the afternoon sun without sacrificing the airy feel of the space.

One side of the venue is dominated by large high tables paired with cocktail bar stools capable of accommodating larger groups. These communal-style seating arrangements encourage interaction and make the venue particularly suitable for after-work gatherings, weekend meet-ups and celebrations. The opposite side features more traditional dining tables, offering a slightly more conventional restaurant experience for smaller groups and families.

A notable feature is a secluded section known as ‘The Cellar.’ While its original intention may have been as a whisky lounge, it now serves as a quieter retreat from the bustle of the main dining area and offers potential for private functions or intimate gatherings. The bar is a major focal point. A cocktail station occupies one side of the restaurant, while a traditional bar anchors the far end. Together they reinforce the establishment’s identity as both a dining destination and a social venue.

The menu

The menu follows the expected Shisa Nyama formula. Grilled meats take centre stage, accompanied by the familiar assortment of sides and comfort dishes one would expect from a braai-inspired restaurant. While the offering may not be particularly adventurous, it succeeds in delivering what patrons visit for; generous portions of well-prepared grilled meat in a lively atmosphere. The venue’s meat platters remain among the most popular choices for groups, complemented by a broad selection of cocktails and beverages.

The service

Service is generally attentive and professional. Staff members are friendly and willing to engage with guests, contributing positively to the overall experience. However, like many popular establishments in Kampala, service can become stretched during peak periods. On especially busy evenings, longer waiting times are to be expected.

The restrooms deserve mention. Located at the rear of the property, they are spacious, clean and well-maintained; a detail often overlooked in restaurant reviews but one that significantly contributes to customer comfort. Pricing sits toward the higher end of Kampala’s casual dining market.

Diners looking for budget-friendly meals may find the cost difficult to justify, particularly when compared to traditional nyama choma joints. However, those paying for the complete experience; ambience, location, cocktails and social atmosphere, are likely to view the premium more favourably.

Ultimately, Shisa Nyama Village is not attempting to be a fine-dining destination. Instead, it succeeds as a contemporary social venue that blends South African braai culture with Kampala’s vibrant nightlife. It is a place where food, drinks and conversation share equal importance.

Ratings

Food: 7.5/10

Service: 7/10

Ambience: 8/10

Value for Money: 6.5/10

Overall: 7.5/10

Africa’s Fortnite streamer, Toxin_Ace, is leveraging his growing influence in the gaming world to mentor aspiring players and accelerate the development of esports across the continent.

Known for his exceptional Fortnite skills, engaging content, and strong community presence, Toxin_Ace has emerged as one of Africa’s most recognizable gaming personalities. While his competitive achievements have earned him widespread acclaim, his efforts to educate, inspire, and support upcoming gamers are increasingly defining his impact on the African esports landscape.

Widely regarded as one of the continent’s most successful Fortnite players, Toxin_Ace has built a reputation for combining technical excellence with entertaining gameplay. His performances are often marked by strategic precision, quick decision-making, and an ability to thrive under pressure, qualities that have helped him attract a loyal and rapidly growing audience.

However, beyond his achievements in competition, Toxin_Ace has positioned himself as an educator within the gaming community. Through regular live streams on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube, he provides viewers with a blend of entertainment and practical learning opportunities.

“I want my streams to be fun to watch, but also teach new players and people trying to go pro a few things,” he said.

His broadcasts frequently feature gameplay breakdowns, tactical insights, and tips designed to help players improve their performance and better understand the competitive side of Fortnite.

Toxin_Ace has also become a vocal advocate for the growth of esports in Africa. Using his platform to promote gaming as a viable career path, he encourages young Africans to develop their skills and pursue opportunities within the rapidly expanding industry.

“I use my streams to encourage other African gamers to get into esports and get better at playing,” he explained.

As esports continues to gain traction globally, industry observers believe influential creators like Toxin_Ace are playing a crucial role in ensuring African talent receives greater visibility and access to professional opportunities.

Part of his appeal lies in his accessibility and genuine connection with his audience. Unlike many high-profile gaming personalities, Toxin_Ace maintains active engagement with his followers, regularly interacting with fans across social media platforms and offering guidance to newcomers.

“I talk to them on social media, keep things positive, and help out new players,” he said.

This hands-on approach has helped him foster an inclusive gaming community where aspiring players feel supported and encouraged to develop their abilities.

Discussing what sets him apart from others, Toxin_Ace pointed to his ability to adapt quickly and think creatively, qualities he believes have contributed significantly to his success.

“Everyone is special in his or her own way. However, I must say that I can easily decode any beat a producer makes and I can easily adapt,” he said, drawing comparisons between his creative instincts and his approach to gaming.

As his influence continues to expand, Toxin_Ace is increasingly being viewed as more than a successful gamer. Through a combination of elite performance, educational content, and community-building efforts, he is helping to redefine what it means to be a professional esports personality in Africa.

His journey reflects the growing opportunities available within the gaming industry and highlights the potential for African talent to compete and succeed on the global stage. With Fortnite’s popularity continuing to rise across the continent, Toxin_Ace remains at the forefront of a movement that is inspiring a new generation of gamers and contributing to the long-term growth of African esports.

Through his dedication to competition, mentorship, and community development, Toxin_Ace is not only building his own legacy but also helping shape the future of gaming in Africa.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure that the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states are peaceful, transparent and credible.

The President made the appeal on Friday during his Democracy Day address to the nation, warning that public confidence in democracy depends largely on the integrity of the electoral process.

With both states preparing to head to the polls in the coming days, Tinubu stressed the need for all stakeholders to uphold democratic values and ensure that voters are allowed to freely exercise their constitutional rights.

“In the coming days, Ekiti and Osun States will hold elections. I urge INEC, security agencies, and all parties to ensure these polls are peaceful and credible. Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process,” the President said.

Tinubu used the occasion of Nigeria’s 27th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic rule to reflect on the country’s democratic journey since the return to civilian governance in 1999.

According to him, Nigeria has successfully sustained peaceful transfers of power through the ballot box and resolved political disputes through democratic institutions rather than violence.

The President also called on the National Assembly, the judiciary, the media and civil society organisations to continue safeguarding democratic institutions and strengthening public trust in governance.

“To our National Assembly, Judiciary, the Press, and Civil Society: you are the guardrails of our republic. Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria,” he stated.

Tinubu further appealed to young Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process, urging them to build their future in the country through innovation, enterprise and voting.

“Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.

The President described June 12 as a defining chapter in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to remain committed to unity, democratic governance and national development.

He expressed optimism that the upcoming elections would further strengthen Nigeria’s democratic credentials and reinforce public confidence in the country’s electoral system.

By Okeoghene Akubuike

The World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report says the ongoing conflict in the Middle-East is expected to slow global economic growth to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic.

A statement from the bank’s Online Media Briefing Centre on Thursday noted that this was as higher energy prices, rising inflation and increased borrowing costs weigh on economies worldwide

The report projected global growth to decline to 2.5 per cent in 2026 from 2.9 per cent in 2025, with growth forecasts for about two-thirds of economies downgraded from its January assessment.

It said global growth would improve slightly to 2.8 per cent in 2027 but remain 0.4 percentage points below the average growth rate recorded during the 2010s.

The report noted that weak growth in developing economies had stalled progress toward advanced economic income levels.

According to the report, developing economies, excluding China and India, are on course to experience nearly a decade without meaningful progress in closing their per capita income gap with advanced economies by 2028.

It quoted World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, as saying “developing countries have faced a series of challenges over the past decade.

“The impact differs by country, but the basic test is the same: protect people and preserve stability today, without giving up on growth and jobs tomorrow.

“Our job is to help countries steady the ship, keep reforms moving, and emerge on the other side.”

It said the World Bank was providing liquidity support where needed, and remained prepared to offer additional financing, guarantees and private-sector solutions should economic pressures intensify.

The report attributed much of the current economic strain to disruptions in global energy markets following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

It projected Brent crude oil prices to average 94 dollars per barrel in 2026, representing a 36 per cent increase over 2025 levels, assuming the worst disruptions ease by July.

The report also forecasts significant increases in fertiliser prices, warning that higher input costs would further drive up global food prices.

“As a result, global inflation is expected to rise to 4.0 per cent this year, up from 3.3 per cent in 2025.”

It warned that risks to the outlook remained substantial.

“If energy supply disruptions become more severe and trigger financial stress, global growth could fall further to 1.3 per cent in 2026, while inflation could rise to 4.4 per cent.”

The report said growth in developing economies was projected to drop to a post pandemic low of 3.6 per cent in 2026 from 4.4 per cent in 2025 before recovering to 4.2 per cent in 2027.

It said Gulf economies directly affected by the conflict would suffer the largest setback, with growth expected to drop from 3.9 per cent in 2025 to near zero in 2026.

“However, growth in those economies is forecast to rebound to about five per cent during 2027 and 2028 as trade resumes and reconstruction spending begins.”

The report said the bank had made between 50 billion and 60 billion dollars available through existing financing instruments to help developing countries manage the crisis.

It said the support package includes 25 billion dollars in pre-arranged financing for social safety nets, fiscal support and liquidity assistance for businesses and farms.

According to the report, more than 30 countries are already working with the World Bank to strengthen preparedness and facilitate rapid responses under the response plan.

It said the bank could increase support to between 80 billion and 100 billion dollars over a 15-month period if the conflict and its economic consequences persisted.

Regionally, the report said South Asia was expected to remain the fastest-growing area in 2026, although growth is projected to slow from seven per cent in 2025 to 6.3 per cent.

It said Sub-Saharan Africa was also expected to experience slower growth, largely due to inflationary pressures, including rising food prices linked to fertiliser shortages and higher costs.

Ayhan Kose, the World Bank’s Deputy Chief Economist and Director of the Prospects Group, said the crisis also presented an opportunity for policy reforms.

“The conflict has taken a toll on global activity, but every crisis also brings an opportunity.

“This moment should be used to strengthen policy frameworks, invest in infrastructure, accelerate business-enabling reforms, and mobilise private capital to support job creation at scale,” the report added.NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted and sentenced five men, including a Nigerien citizen to 25-years’ imprisonment each for terrorism offences.

Justice Binta Nyako handed down the judgment after the convicts pleaded guilty to the four-count charge preferred against them by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The convicts are Yusuf Mohammed (aka Bature), Goni Ibrahim Bindi (aka Goni Mutuwa), Sani Tulur (aka Danladi), Mubarak Ibrahim and Musa Alhaji Adamu (aka Gado Banufe).

After their guilty plea, the prosecution sought to tender items recovered from the defendants.

With the court’s permission, the prosecution tendered a forwarding letter, accompanied with the investigation report and the statements of the defendants.

The prosecution also tendered 15 units of AK 103 rifles complete with its magazines and 1434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, to which the defence raised no objection.

Justice Nyako admitted the items as exhibits and proceeded to convict the defendants.

The judge then asked the defendants to make a plea of allocutus each, which they did.

The prosecution, therefore, applied that a Volkswagen car, used in transporting arms and ammunition, be forfeited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In her judgment, Justice Nyako found the defendants guilty as charged and convicted them.

She sentenced them to 25 years each on count one.

On counts two and three, she sentenced the 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants to seven years jail term each while, on count four, only the 1st defendant bagged 25 years imprisonment.

The judge ordered that the sentences shall run concurrently, beginning from the date of their arrest.

She ordered that the convicts should serve their terms of improvement in a place designated by the Minister of Interior.

Justice Nyako equally ordered that the exhibits recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government.

In count one, the convicts between April 23 and April 24 were alleged to have committed the offence.

They were alleged to have jointly conspired “to render assistance to a terrorist by agreeing and intentionally playing various roles towards conveying 15 AK 103 rifles as well as about 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from Diffa region, Republic of Niger, to one Malam Ahmad.”

Ahmad is said to be a member of the Boko Haram terrorist group based in Borgu LGA of Niger State.

The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.

(NAN)

Olori Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, has been appointed Special Envoy and Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the World Investment Summit (WIS) Group through the Presidency.

This move is expected to strengthen global investment advocacy and promote sustainable economic development across emerging markets.

The appointment was formally conferred on the Queen in Abuja on Monday by former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Board of the World Investment Summit Group, Yakubu Dogara.

The World Investment Summit Abuja 2026 is a Presidency-backed international investment conference convened under the Renewed Hope Transformation Agenda.

According to Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the appointment reflects the organisation’s confidence in Olori Temitope’s leadership, influence, and commitment to advancing development initiatives through cultural diplomacy and international engagement.

He described the Queen as a distinguished representative of Nigeria’s cultural heritage whose profile and public service credentials make her well-suited to advance the objectives of the World Investment Summit.

“Her Regal Majesty represents the very best of Nigeria. She embodies integrity, compassion, cultural diplomacy, and visionary leadership. We are confident that her role as Special Envoy will strengthen global engagement and attract meaningful investments that can drive economic transformation,” Dogara said.

According to him, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most strategic investment destinations, with vast opportunities in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, technology, creative industries, and the rapidly expanding digital economy.

The World Investment Summit is an international platform that brings together governments, investors, development partners, financial institutions, corporate leaders, innovators, and policymakers to promote cross-border investments and economic cooperation.

The 2026 edition of the summit is scheduled to be held in Abuja from 14 to 16 October. It is projected to attract more than 8,000 participants, including heads of state, ministers, diplomats, multinational business executives, sovereign wealth fund managers, development finance institutions, investment promotion agencies, academics, and international media organisations.

Organisers said the summit will focus on unlocking investments in critical sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, climate finance, infrastructure, digital transformation, public-private partnerships, and emerging technologies.

The event is expected to provide a high-level platform for policy dialogue, investment facilitation, and strategic partnerships to accelerate sustainable development and strengthen capital flows into developing economies.

The organisers also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host the global gathering, citing the country’s position as Africa’s largest economy, its strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and ongoing reforms designed to improve the investment climate.

Projected outcomes of the summit include major investment commitments, expanded public-private partnerships, enhanced technology transfer, climate finance mobilisation, and stronger frameworks for investment governance and economic competitiveness.

In her acceptance remarks, Olori Temitope, who is also the Deputy Convener of Hopealives Initiative for Africa (HAI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) of the Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed appreciation to the World Investment Summit Group for the honour and pledged to use the platform to advance investment promotion, economic co-operation, and sustainable development.

“I am deeply honoured by this appointment and the trust placed in me. I will strive to be a worthy ambassador of the World Investment Summit Group and a strong advocate for initiatives that foster economic growth and global partnerships,” she said.

The Queen described Nigeria as a country rich in opportunities, noting its abundant resources, entrepreneurial population, and growing market potential.

She called on investors worldwide to explore opportunities across key sectors of the Nigerian economy, stressing that strategic investments would drive job creation, innovation, business growth, and inclusive development.

“Nigeria is a nation of great opportunities. We welcome investors from around the world to partner with us in unlocking the enormous potential that exists across our economy. Together, we can build sustainable prosperity and create lasting value for future generations,” she added.

Industry observers say the appointment could further elevate the profile of the World Investment Summit Group while leveraging the influence of traditional institutions and cultural diplomacy to attract investments and drive sustainable development across Nigeria, Africa, and the broader global community.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, lawyers, civil society advocates and military officers who played key roles in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and the validation of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The announcement formed part of the President’s Democracy Day address marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.

Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast said the recipients suffered persecution, detention, exile, incarceration and other hardships during the struggle against military rule and in the campaign to actualise the mandate believed to have been won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“I am also pleased to announce national awards to the following Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today,” the President said.

Those named for national honours include Barrister Ayoka Lawani, Tunde Fagbenle, Oladele Alake, Olatunji Bello, Louis Odion, Segun Babatope, Sam Omatseye, Sir Ademola Osinubi, Bola Bolawole, Lade Bonuola, Femi Kusa, Debo Adeniran, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Ralph Obiora, Ose Osayande, Barrister Osa Director, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous), Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Barrister Titus Mann, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous), George Mbah, Dr Niran Malaolu, Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd), Femi Aborisade, Jenkins Alumona, Gbemiga Ogunleye, Muyiwa Adekeye, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju and Ike Okonta.

The President also recognised military officers whom he described as “soldier-democrats” for their roles during the June 12 struggle.

They include Major General M.A. Garba, Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa, Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong, Colonel Musa Shehu, Major General Chris Eze, Major General Harris Dzarma, Colonel Isa Jibrin, Major General Joseph Oshanupin, Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba, the Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom, Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus, Colonel J. Okai, Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze, Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu and Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and holder of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) title.

Tinubu used the occasion to pay tribute to several deceased and living figures whose sacrifices helped secure democratic governance in Nigeria.

Among those he remembered were Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani and General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.

The President further announced that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the completed Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology in honour of the late military officer and pro-democracy figure.

Tinubu said Nigerians who benefited from the sacrifices of the June 12 heroes have a responsibility to strengthen democratic institutions and build a nation where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunities are expanded and government remains accountable.

He disclosed that the full honours list and categories of awards would be released in the coming days.

The President described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history and urged citizens to preserve the democratic gains secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice.

By Taiye Olayemi

The Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Dr Umaru Kwairanga, has called for stronger Nigeria-UAE capital market cooperation.

Kwairanga made the call during a visit to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) on Friday.

He held discussions with the board and management of the exchange on investment opportunities.

In a statement to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Kwairanga said both markets could explore knowledge sharing and training programmes.

He added that partnerships in product development and cross-border listings could strengthen market integration.

“This is to strengthen market integration between Africa and the Middle East,” he said.

The NGX chairman said Nigeria’s capital market had recorded significant growth in recent years.

He noted that market capitalisation and the benchmark index had more than doubled.

According to him, the development reflects renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s capital market.

Kwairanga disclosed that Nigeria was preparing for the anticipated Dangote Refinery initial public offering (IPO).

He described the refinery project as a continental venture with significant investment potential.

“Nigeria is preparing for the Dangote Refinery IPO, which is seen as a continental project,” he said.

He said there was strong interest in attracting Middle East investors to the offering. Kwairanga added that roadshows for the IPO could be held in the United Arab Emirates. He also said discussions on a possible dual listing in a global financial centre were ongoing.

“Hopefully, the refinery, one of the biggest in the world, will consider a dual listing,” he said.

He expressed hope for active Middle East investor participation through planned roadshows.

Kwairanga attributed rising investor interest partly to ongoing Federal Government economic reforms. He recalled President Bola Tinubu’s earlier engagement with Abu Dhabi investors on Nigeria’s reforms.

The NGX chairman also highlighted the exchange’s role in the African Exchanges Linkage Project. He said the initiative connects African exchanges to promote intra-African trading.

According to him, it will expand opportunities across the continent’s capital markets. He expressed optimism that talks with ADX would create fresh collaboration opportunities.

Kwairanga highlighted platforms such as Tabadul as possible areas for cooperation.

He commended the resilience of the UAE economy and capital market. The NGX chairman said this was in spite of geopolitical tensions affecting parts of the region.

He noted that the UAE’s stability reflected strong foundations established by its leaders.

(NAN)

By Busayo Onijala

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a new Pound 15 million Growth Programme aimed at unlocking private investment and accelerating economic transformation between them.

The British High Commission made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

It said the two countries unveiled the initiative during the just concluded two-day visit to Nigeria by the UK’s Minister for Africa and International Development, Baroness Jenny Chapman.

According to the statement, Chapman’s visit, spanning Abuja and Kaduna, underscores the breadth and depth of the UKNigeria strategic partnership and marked a significant step toward both countries’ shared priorities.

It said that alongside the growth programme, the UK also announced deeper collaboration on Nigeria’s digital economy through an initiative called the SPRIRET, which is delivered under the UK’s Digital Access Programme.

“SPRIRET will support digital governance reforms across five Nigerian states, reducing regulatory barriers and enabling greater investment and innovation in broadband, digital services and emerging technology,” it said.

Chapman said her visit had reinforced everything she believed about the UKNigeria partnership.

According to her, it is “deep, real, and moving in the right direction.”

“From launching our new Growth Programme with Minister Oyedele, to meeting frontline health workers in Kaduna, every conversation this week has shown me a country full of ambition and a partnership that is genuinely delivering for both sides,” she said.

Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said the UK-Nigeria relationship extended beyond traditional ties and was now focused on development, growth, and shared prosperity.

“The UKNigeria Growth Programme helps bring this partnership to life.

“It will support capital market development, technology investment, small businesses, and technical assistance.

“We look forward to seeing how these opportunities deliver lasting benefits and drive progress for both countries,” Oyedele said.

The mission also noted that Chapman met with the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, with discussions covering progress under the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

In Kaduna, Chapman met with Gov. Uba Sani to take stock of over 20 years of UKKaduna partnership and explore how cooperation can deepen shared priorities.

(NAN)