Category: Business Day

Manchester United recorded their third consecutive Premier League win after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as Red Devils finally ended their poor run against the Seagulls, who had won six of their previous seven league meetings.

Matheus Cunha and Casemiro were also on target to hand Ruben Amorim’s side a much-needed boost in their push for the top four. Cunha opened his United account with a stunning 20-yard strike before Casemiro’s deflected shot doubled the lead.

Mbeumo made it 3-0 shortly after the break, but Brighton hit back through Danny Welbeck’s free-kick and a stoppage-time header from Charalampos Kostoulas to set up a tense finale.

Man United, however, held firm, and Mbeumo’s late second sealed the win, confirming a third straight victory for Amorim’s improving side.

Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, was honoured with the prestigious AEMA Black Prize during the recently concluded African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) 2025 Summit held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly at The Yale Club of New York City.

The award recognised her outstanding advocacy for gender equity, girl-child education, and national transformation, as well as her global leadership in protecting women and children’s rights.

Through her ‘Hands Off Our Girls’ campaign, H.E. Dr. Bio has set a new standard across Africa in policy influence, survivor support systems, and awareness creation at both local and international levels. Presenting the award, the AEGC Board commended her for redefining the role of First Ladies as active change-makers and champions of justice. Her work, which blends civic courage with cultural dignity, has gained widespread recognition from the United Nations, ECOWAS, and other global platforms.

This recognition not only cements her place as a humanitarian powerhouse but also amplifies Sierra Leone’s growing diplomatic and socio-economic leadership across Africa.

The AEMA Black Prize is awarded to distinguished individuals of African descent who have made global contributions to justice, leadership, enterprise, education, and cultural advancement. It is one of the highest civilian honours bestowed at the African Economic Global Convergence Summit.

The Bauchi State Police Command, on Saturday, successfully arrested a kidnapper and rescued two (2) school children in Tilden Fulani, Toro Local Government Area of the State.

In a press statement signed by the spokesman of the command, CSP Ahmed Wakil and issued to journalists in Bauchi. Said that the abducted children were standing by the roadside waiting for their school bus to pick them up.

The press statement read, ‘Preliminary investigation revealed that an eyewitness saw a man on a tricycle pick up the children. Later in the day, the suspected kidnapper contacted the family of the victims and demanded the sum of fifty million naira (?50,000,000) as ransom, using a foreign number to avoid being tracked’

Adding that after the negotiation, the suspect agreed to collect one million, two hundred thousand naira (?1,200,000) to be delivered around the Farmers Motors Junction, Bauchi.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, detectives from the division strategically cordoned off the area, which led to the arrest of the suspect at the point of collecting the ransom’

He said that the investigation later revealed the suspect as Abdulkarim Tasiu, a family member of the complainant, who freely confessed to the crime, citing long-standing grudges with his uncle as the motive behind the act.

While the Command, in collaboration with quasi-security outfits, arrested Ibrahim Muhammad Rabiu of Gwallaga for stealing a motorcycle belonging to Mahmud Aliyu of Kobi Street, Bauchi. He said that the investigation revealed that the suspect stole a white Jincheng motorcycle valued at ?100,000. As the suspect

confessed to the crime.

The spokesperson of the command further said that the investigation is ongoing, after that, the suspect will be profiled and charged in court for the established offences.

In another development, the Command also arrested Abdulrahman Ibrahim of Gwallaga within the state metropolis for stealing a black Haojue ladies’ motorcycle valued at ?250,000, belonging to Hafiz Yaro.

He said that during the investigation, the suspect admitted to stealing the motorcycle, stating that he intended to dismantle it into parts and sell them as scrap.

The Command Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, directed all the cases to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation and possible pro

Sani-Omolori urges the public to continue reporting suspicious movements or potential criminal activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.

The Governing Council of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) has approved the appointment of Prof. Mohammed Khalid Othman as the substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

The announcement was made by Ali Abubakar Jatau, pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, shortly after the Council’s 36th Special Meeting held in Dutse, Jigawa State.

According to the chairman, the appointment followed a rigorous and transparent selection process based on the report of the Joint Council/Senate Selection Board on the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor.

He revealed that out of 28 applications received for the position, the Search Team identified three additional candidates, bringing the total to 31 applicants. After screening, 17 candidates were shortlisted and invited for the interview process.

‘The emergence of Othman followed a rigorous selection process involving 17 shortlisted applicants for the position,’ Jatau said, adding that the Council considered the top three performing candidates before approving the appointment. Born on July 22, 1962, in Bindawa Local Government Area of Katsina State, Othman is an accomplished Agricultural Engineer and scholar from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees between 1984 and 2007. He began his academic career as an Assistant Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor. Over the years, he has served as a teacher, researcher, and administrator.

Notably, he was the executive director of the National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services (NAERLS), ABU Zaria, and is currently a member of the FUDMA Governing Council representing the Senate.

Prof. Othman is married with nine children according to Nasiru M. Abdul, director of Information and Protocol, FUDMA.

When a state decides that time on its runway matters as much as time in its coffers, its ambition is no longer symbolic, it becomes operational. Last week, Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA) in Uyo resumed night operations after a calibrated overhaul of its airfield lighting and navigational aids, removing the sunrise-to-sunset restriction that had constrained flight schedules for years.

That technical upgrade is small in vocabulary but large in consequence: it makes Akwa Ibom a more predictable destination for tourists, business travellers and cargo operators alike.

‘I am pleased to announce that night flight operations have been fully restored at Victor Attah International Airport,’ Governor Umo Eno said in an official statement announcing the development. ‘Last week, I directed the Ibom Airport Development Company to complete the overhaul of navigational aids and lighting systems by September 30, and I am glad to report that the deadline was met.’

The governor’s public deadline followed a decisive injection of capital earlier this year. In July the state authorised ?1.194 billion for a comprehensive overhaul covering replacement of navigational aids, upgrade of airfield lighting, settlement of electricity bills and service charges to the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). That budget line made the restoration possible and signalled that the upgrade was policy, not afterthought.

Why does lighting an airfield matter so much to tourism? Because aviation is an ecosystem, each improvement unlocks activity across other sectors. Night operations extend scheduling flexibility, reduce the cost penalties airlines face when they must compress routes into daylight windows, and broaden the range of flight times available to business and leisure travellers.

It also supports cargo, charter, medevac, and even private aviation schedules that demand flexibility.

For Ibom Air, the state-owned carrier that uses Uyo as its hub, the ability to operate after dusk means more rotations, better connections and an easier time matching flights to events, conferences and hotel bookings across the state.

Ibom Air has been a visible anchor of the state’s strategy to use aviation to drive growth; making the airport operational round the clock strengthens that anchor.

Ibom Air is a great success story among state-owned airlines in Nigeria, and for the first time, it recently opened its books to scrutiny, despite being 100 per cent funded by the state government. No airline has come clean on its revenue. Ibom Air has demonstrated tremendous success, indicating that airlines can be profitable in Nigeria if properly managed.

The carrier is projected to increase its revenue to N150 billion in 2025 from N95 billion in 2024, indicating that Ibom Air is growing organically and positioning itself as an airline with the potential to revolutionise the airline business in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, recently reiterated the carrier’s ambitious plan, noting that it plans to join the Global Distribution System (GDS) by October 2025; a key instrument to interline and expand with other global airlines.

His words, ‘It takes discipline and determination to run airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, ASKY, RwandAir, Air Côte d’Ivoire, and others are cleaning up the market, and we need to respond. They night-stop in Nigeria. ASKY’s passenger traffic was around 100,000 but has grown to I.5 million passengers. That is remarkable. We need to start responding to the market. We believe that there is room for improvement. We can do it.’

Aviation analyst Chris Aligbe recently described the state’s approach as ‘a rare example of subnational discipline and vision in Nigeria’s aviation sector,’ noting that ‘Ibom Air has already shown that a state can run a viable airline if guided by sound management rather than politics.’

Restoring runway lighting is necessary, but not sufficient. The significance of this milestone lies in how it dovetails with the Arise Agenda’s broader tourism and infrastructure programme. Under the governor’s plan, a modern international terminal, an MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility, an Aviation Village, the ARISE Resorts and other visitor assets are scheduled to come online in the months ahead.

Together, these projects convert a technical capability, night operations into an end-to-end travel proposition that can support multi-day stays, conferences and family leisure travel. Consider the visitor’s decision tree. A cultural tourist from Lagos weighing a weekend trip to Akwa Ibom is influenced by flight frequency, arrival and departure times, ease of ground transport and the quality of accommodation.

Before the upgrade, limited flight windows narrowed choices and pushed some travellers to choose destinations with more convenient schedules.

With 24-hour capability, VAIA becomes comparable with other regional hubs and gives tour operators the confidence to package Akwa Ibom into holiday itineraries. That translates directly into hotel bookings, restaurant revenue and employment for guides, drivers and artisans.

The state’s approach is deliberately sequential: funds were allocated to correct the most urgent operational shortfalls, a strict timeline was enforced, and the technical validation by NAMA ensured compliance with aviation safety standards.

Governor Eno publicly commended NAMA and the airport board for delivering on the mandate, reflecting a partnership model that mixes political will with technical oversight.

Evidence from other jurisdictions bears the point out. States or cities that synchronise airport operations with tourism product development routinely see faster growth in visitor numbers than those that treat transport and attractions as separate problems.

Akwa Ibom’s inventory; Ibeno Beach, historic sites in Ikot Abasi, Oron’s cultural assets and the planned ARISE Resorts is internationally competitive on paper; the recent upgrades make it reachable in practice. Travel trade and media attention already followed the announcement, an early sign that perception is beginning to align with reality.

There will, rightly, be scrutiny. Restoring the lights must be matched with reliable power, robust air traffic procedures, completed terminal works and improved ground transport.

The state has recognised that, and the funding decisions announced in July were aimed precisely at knitting those elements together. What remains essential is steady follow-through: completing the international terminal, bringing the MRO online to reduce aircraft ground time and working with carriers to open new routes that feed Uyo into national and regional networks.

If implemented faithfully, the payoff is tangible and multipronged: increased tourism receipts, diversified revenue for a state preparing for a future ‘with or without oil,’ more jobs in hospitality and aviation services, and the emergence of Uyo as a reliable arrival point for conferences and cultural festivals.

Governor Eno’s directive and the subsequent delivery on the timeline demonstrate that infrastructure strategy, when paired with execution, changes outcomes.

As he said when releasing the funds in July, ‘World-class infrastructure is the bedrock of economic transformation under the Arise Agenda.’

The restoration of night operations at Victor Attah International Airport is a technical improvement with strategic consequences. It is proof that a state can reimagine its geography by investing in the connective tissue that turns potential into visitation.

Our runway is now lit; the next task is to fill the flights, the hotels and the plates of travellers who will discover that Akwa Ibom’s coastlines, culture and hospitality are, at last, open around the clock.

Cairo, Egypt || Benedict Oramah, outgoing president of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), on Friday said African currencies have now been made legal tender across the continent’s borders.

He disclosed this in his farewell speech at the Afreximbank Legacy Conference and Investiture in Cairo, Egypt, where he reflected on a decade of transformative achievements under his leadership.

According to Oramah, the tangible changes made by Afreximbank in the last 10 years have moved Africa closer to true self-determination. ‘We can now point to those things that exist today, new institutional arrangements and interventions that have joined as formidable forces in Africa’s armoury in its fight towards true self-determination,’ he said. ‘Many of these were mere hopes and aspirations 10 years ago.’

He explained that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) implementation is now ahead of schedule, largely due to Afreximbank’s strategic support. The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), backed by Afreximbank’s three billion US dollar Clearing and Settlement Facility, has become operational in 20 countries and continues to expand. ‘After more than 60 years of political independence, we are finally on the verge of integrating the continent’s 42 payment systems into a single payment rail. Finally, we have made African currencies legal tenders across African borders,’ Oramah said. He added that Afreximbank has been addressing Africa’s chronic lack of trade information through the creation and implementation of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which has been held four times and attracted over 170 billion US dollars in trade and investment deals, drawing more than 180,000 visitors. He also mentioned the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), a digital platform designed to break down information barriers, and the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centres (AATCs) established across the continent to serve as hubs for trade and investment information.

Oramah noted that about 500 standards have been harmonised for key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agriculture, automobiles, and textiles, enabling smoother intra-African trade. To sustain this progress, Afreximbank is building testing and certification centres across Africa. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Bank launched the African Collaborative Transit Guarantee Scheme, supported by one billion US dollars in guarantee limits.

He said the Bank’s interventions have catalysed industrialisation, with Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones now emerging rapidly across the continent, creating manufacturing bases where none existed before. ‘We have supported the emergence of heavy industries, such as the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, which now export globally,’ he said. Oramah also highlighted how Afreximbank’s work has strengthened socio-cultural and economic ties between Africa, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the wider African diaspora.

Through projects such as the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), he said the Bank has paved the way for accessible, high-quality healthcare for Africans. Reflecting on Afreximbank’s institutional growth, Oramah disclosed that the Bank’s balance sheet and guarantees grew almost eightfold from six billion US dollars in September 2015 to nearly forty-four billion US dollars in September 2025. During the same period, revenues and net income expanded significantly, while shareholders received a cumulative dividend payout of almost 1.4 billion US dollars between 2015 and 2024.

He expressed gratitude to the Bank’s staff, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. ‘We could not have accomplished these without the extraordinary support from many of you gathered here today and even from far and wide,’ he said. ‘Your support has been instrumental in elevating the Bank to its current stature. A key purpose of my speech this evening is to say thank you for giving me immense opportunities, tolerating my weaknesses, and helping me rise to my full potential.’

In her farewell remarks, Chinelo Oramah, wife of the Afreximbank president, described how deeply the Bank’s impact had extended beyond the professional sphere into their family life. ‘The Bank did not just employ my husband; it invested in our entire family’s wellbeing, growth, and future,’ she said. ‘We often speak of Afreximbank’s impact in terms of industrial parks, special economic zones, trade finance facilities, and continental integration. These are monumental achievements that will define Africa’s economic trajectory for generations. But beneath those impressive numbers and projects are real people and families whose lives have been transformed by the Bank’s work.’

She added that the Bank had changed their lives profoundly and irrevocably. ‘Words of thanks seem insufficient,’ she said. ‘To every member of the Afreximbank family, from the Executive Board and management to the support staff and those working behind the scenes, I extend my deepest gratitude. You have not only supported my husband’s leadership; you have supported our entire family.’

African countries are taking bold steps toward unity and mobility, with several nations opening their borders to fellow Africans. As of 2025, six countries, including Seychelles, The Gambia, Benin, Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya, now offer full visa-free entry to all African nationals, making travel across the continent easier, cheaper, and more accessible.

Beyond tourism, these policies support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions seamless mobility, economic integration, and cultural exchange. For entrepreneurs, students, artists, and tourists, the initiative means fewer barriers and greater opportunities for collaboration and exploration. With six nations leading the way, the vision of a borderless Africa is becoming a reality, and these destinations are ready to welcome travellers from across the continent, passport in hand and no visa required.

Here are 6 countries African citizens can visit visa-free

Seychelles

Seychelles, an island paradise in the Indian Ocean, has long been a trailblazer in visa-free travel as the first African country to fully embrace open borders by allowing entry to all nationalities without a visa. For African travellers, this means you can explore its stunning beaches, coral reefs, lush jungles, and vibrant Creole culture without any bureaucratic hurdles.

The Gambia

The Gambia, often called the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa,’ has offered visa-free access to all African nationals since 2019, welcoming visitors to experience its hospitality, scenic riverbanks, vibrant markets, and rich history. With river cruises, diverse wildlife, and a lively cultural scene, the country offers plenty to explore, and Banjul, the capital, serves as an excellent starting point for discovering West Africa. Benin was among the first African countries to remove visa restrictions for fellow Africans, positioning itself as a hub of history and culture for those interested in the roots of Vodun (Voodoo) and the legacy of the Dahomey Kingdom. Visitors can explore its historical sites, vibrant cultural festivals, and beautiful coastal cities, with Ouidah’s annual Vodun Festival in January being an unmissable highlight.

Rwanda

Rwanda has made significant strides in promoting regional integration by offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to all African Union member states. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, clean cities, and tech innovation, the country stands as a model of post-conflict transformation, with gorilla trekking and vibrant urban life among its top attractions. Kigali, its capital, is also celebrated as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities. Ghana

In January 2025, Ghana officially implemented visa-free entry for all African nationals, reinforcing its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its vision of a borderless Africa. Visitors can experience the country’s rich history, vibrant music scene, and warm hospitality, with landmarks like Cape Coast Castle and the enduring legacy of the Year of Return serving as major highlights.

Kenya

Kenya joined the visa-free movement in July 2025, removing visa requirements for all African countries except Libya and Somalia due to security concerns. The policy supports Kenya’s ‘open skies’ initiative and strengthens its role as a major regional hub. Visitors can experience thrilling safari adventures, stunning coastal resorts, and the vibrant atmosphere of Nairobi, while travellers from Libya and Somalia are still required to obtain visas.

The federal government has increased the capitation fee for enrollees under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) from ?750 to ?1,450 per person, in a policy move designed to strengthen service delivery and improve healthcare outcomes.

Announcing the increase on Saturday via the X platform, Muhammad Pate, coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the adjustment marks a critical step toward ensuring adequate funding for healthcare providers and sustaining quality care across the system.

Pate explained that the new rate addresses one of the key barriers to effective service delivery, the long-standing challenge of low provider payments, which has undermined the quality of care available to millions of Nigerians enrolled in the scheme.

‘For years, the capitation stood at ?750 per person. We have doubled it to ?1,450 to ensure providers are properly equipped to deliver consistent, high-quality care,’ Pate said.

He added that fee-for-service rates have also been increased by 380%, following actuarial reviews designed to align payments with actual service costs. The minister highlighted that the reforms are part of broader efforts to reduce out-of-pocket spending, which currently accounts for about 70% of Nigeria’s total health expenditure.

According to him, expanding social health insurance is the ‘surest path’ to achieving equitable access to healthcare and protecting households from financial hardship.

The minister also informed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded over 2.4 million new health insurance enrollments, its highest ever, bringing total coverage to about 20 million Nigerians. He said the government aims to reach 44 million by 2030, supported by expanded infrastructure and a growing health workforce.

He said the NHIA has been directed to begin covert mystery shopping to monitor healthcare providers and ensure that insured Nigerians are not denied treatment.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to replace the nation’s service chiefs, describing it as a wise and timely move, particularly if the alleged coup rumour was true.

President Tinubu had on Friday announced sweeping changes in the leadership of the armed forces as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. The reshuffle included the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other top military officers.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Agbakoba said the president’s action showed firmness and decisiveness that were missing in the previous administration.

‘You have a president who is prepared to take tough decisions, and we know that he likes to take tough decisions,’ Agbakoba said.

‘I think he has done the right thing because his predecessor, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, did not like to make such decisions and allowed his military team to stay far longer than they should have.’ Reports had earlier linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration on October 1 to an alleged coup attempt, although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the claims, insisting the cancellation was unrelated.

Agbakoba, however, said that if such reports had any truth, then the president’s decision to overhaul the military hierarchy was both strategic and justified.

‘So, if it is indeed true that there was a rumoured coup, I think he (Tinubu) acted sensibly by doing exactly what he has done,’ he said.

‘What we want to see now is the impact of that decision.’

The former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president emphasised that the move reflects the president’s commitment to proactive governance and national stability.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has condemned the growing use of ambulances to transport corpses in Abuja, describing the act as unethical and inappropriate.

Adedolapo Fasawe, mandate secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, announced this on Friday while briefing journalists after the fifth meeting of the FCT Executive Committee, chaired by Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT.

Fasawe said the administration has approved a contract for the purchase of 12 new ambulances and plans to acquire hearses in the next budget cycle to ensure that ambulances are used strictly for medical emergencies.

‘In the FCT, we do not allow ambulances to carry corpses. It is against medical ethics because, after a corpse is transported, the same stretcher might later be used for a living patient without proper decontamination,’ she said.

‘To address this, we plan to buy hearses designed for transporting the dead.’

She added that the 12 new Toyota Hiace Hiroof ambulances (2023-2024 models) are built to international standards and will soon be deployed for use across the city.

‘For the first time in almost a decade, the FCT will receive 12 new ambulances,’ Fasawe said. ‘Each is equipped with Bluetooth, airbags, keyless entry, and medical fittings.’ She noted that the new vehicles will improve emergency response in the FCT, especially with better road infrastructure that makes access to outlying areas faster.

‘Journeys that used to take 20 minutes now take about five, and with these ambulances, response time could be reduced to three minutes,’ she said. ‘This shows that the FCT system is improving under the current administration.’ Fasawe also reminded residents that emergency medical help can be reached by dialing 112, the national emergency number, which is active in the FCT.

‘We are working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the 112 line is functional. Once our ambulance command base is completed, calls to 112 will be directed to the nearest available ambulance whether from FEMA, NEMSAS, or the FCT Health Services,’ she added.