Category: Business Day

Paris Saint-Germain produced a breathtaking display of attacking football to dismantle Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 on Tuesday night, making it three wins from three in the UEFA Champions League.

Two brilliant goals from Desire Doue and strikes from Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, Ousmane Dembélé, and Vitinha capped a dominant night for Luis Enrique’s side, who looked unstoppable from start to finish at the BayArena. PSG made a flying start as Pacho rose highest to head home Nuno Mendes’ teasing cross in the seventh minute.

Leverkusen were handed a lifeline when Illia Zabarnyi fouled Claudio Echeverri in the box, but Alejandro Grimaldo’s penalty struck the post. Moments later, the hosts suffered a major blow when captain Robert Andrich saw his yellow card upgraded to red after a VAR review for elbowing Doue.

Their man advantage was short-lived, however, as Zabarnyi was sent off for dragging down Christian Kofane in the box. Aleix Garcia converted the resulting penalty to level the score, but PSG’s response was devastating.

In a blistering five-minute spell, Doue fired into the bottom corner, Kvaratskhelia’s first-time strike found the net via both posts, and Doue added his second with a precise curling finish to make it 4-1 before halftime.

The French champions kept their foot on the gas in the second half. Vitinha glided through midfield to set up Mendes, who coolly slotted past Mark Flekken. Leverkusen briefly reduced the deficit through Garcia’s long-range stunner, but substitute Dembélé, returning from injury, made it 6-2 with a simple tap-in.

Vitinha then capped off a near-perfect performance with a composed low finish in the 90th minute to seal PSG’s emphatic victory.

In a continent where car ownership often requires years of savings, mobility company MAX is taking a different route, helping commercial riders own Electric Vehicles (EVs) through a subscription-based model, thereby reducing the burden of outright purchase.

Adetayo Bamiduro, co-founder and CEO of MAX, disclosed this during a Moonshot panel discussion titled ‘Journey to Zero Emissions: Can African Cities Leapfrog into Clean Transit?’

He explained that MAX offers an electric vehicle subscription package that makes EVs accessible and affordable to riders, known as Champions. ‘For a small regular fee, customers get access to our EVs for a period of time, while paying the subscription fee towards eventual ownership. They don’t need to buy the vehicle or worry about upfront costs,’ said Adetayo Bamiduro. MAX’s target customers are commercial riders such as last-mile couriers, delivery riders, and taxi drivers, people who rely on mobility to earn a living but often struggle to afford vehicles of their own. ‘Our focus is on providing drivers with practical, affordable EVs and the services they need to operate,’ Bamiduro added.

Few years ago, EVs were almost non-existent in Africa, but MAX paved the way with the M1, its pioneering electric motorcycle, the first in the Nigerian market. Today, that number stands between 70,000 and 100,000 EVs across the continent. ‘Though this represents a small share of Africa’s 250 million vehicles, it is growing steadily. We are about two orders of magnitude behind, but most of those EVs are in Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, and South Africa, showing how fast the market can grow when conditions are right,’ Bamiduro said.

One reason EVs are becoming more viable in recent years is the steady fall in battery and manufacturing costs. Bamiduro attributes this to years of investment in China’s battery and solar industries, which have made EV production cheaper worldwide. ‘Batteries, solar, and vehicle manufacturing are all cheaper now. In some cases, EVs and petrol vehicles are nearing price parity in Nigeria,’ he added.

Lower prices, combined with MAX’s subscription model, could make EVs more accessible for thousands and eventually millions of small operators and delivery fleets across the country. For MAX, solving affordability is only half the challenge. The company is also building the ecosystem, from solar-powered charging points to trained technicians.

‘Standard, swappable batteries would be a game-changer,’ Bamiduro noted.

Through its subscription model, MAX is lowering the entry barrier for thousands and soon millions, of mobility workers. It is an ambitious move, one that could make owning an EV as simple as signing up for a subscription. Each plan also includes value-added services such as insurance, vehicle licensing, health coverage, and emergency support, creating a truly holistic mobility experience.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the terrorism trial of two alleged commanders of the terrorist group Ansaru until November 19, 2025, following the absence of Mohammed Abubakar, counsel for the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the adjournment after receiving a letter from Abubakar, who apologised for his inability to appear in court and requested a new date.

The defence did not oppose the request, prompting the court to fix a new date for the continuation of the trial.

The defendants, Mahmud Usman (also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar) and Abubakar Abba (also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, and Mallam Mamuda), face a 32-count charge relating to terrorism, conspiracy, illegal mining, and providing material support to terrorist organisations.

The charges, filed on September 4 and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, were submitted by Abubakar, director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Usman, the 1st defendant, pleaded guilty to one of the counts illegal mining and was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison on September 11. Abba, the 2nd defendant, pleaded not guilty to all charges. According to the federal government, the illegal mining offence, which took place between 2015 and 2025, involved the extraction of valuable minerals such as ‘thunder’ and ‘california stones’ without lawful authorisation, violating Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, LFN 2004.

The prosecution further alleges that between 2013 and 2015, the two men supported terrorist activities and were instrumental in the formation and leadership of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (also known as JAMBS/Ansaru), a group linked to Al-Qaeda and officially designated as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

The defendants are accused of receiving training in weapons handling and improvised explosive device (IED) fabrication, undergoing combat training with Jama’atu Nusratil Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), a terrorist group based in Mali, and participating in the 2022 attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, which reportedly resulted in multiple casualties. Following their arraignment and not-guilty pleas to most charges, the court ordered both defendants to remain in DSS custody in Abuja pending the continuation of the trial on the next adjourned date.

About 2.82 million registered voters are to determine the fate of 16 political parties and their candidates in the November 8th, 2025 Anambra State Gubernatorial election.

This figure represents the final number of registered voters after the last Continuous Voter Registration exercise held in Anambra State.

This was disclosed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Forum For Media Executives, Reporters, Producers and Online -On Air Personalities on Tuesday in Awka.

Earlier before now the number of registered voters was 2.6 million but increased to 2.82 million voters after the last registration.

At his opening remarks the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr Sam Olumekun described media practitioners as not only the mirror of the society but interpreters of the electoral process, helping the citizens to appreciate the essence of voting and it’s importance to the nation. ‘As society’s mirror, the media reflects our collective conscience. In elections, your role becomes even more sacred.

‘You are the interpreters of the electoral process, helping citizens understand not just how to vote, but why their participation matters. Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed. To be well-informed, they must have access to accurate, timely, and balanced information.

‘That is why the Commission continues to count on you to amplify voter education messages, combat misinformation, and keep the public engaged with truth and context’he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal High Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Tuesday, nullified the Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship elections held in July 2024, which produced the current Council Chairmen and Councillors across the State.

Justice H.I.O. Oshomah, who presided over the Court, ruled that the elections conducted by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

In its judgement, the Court voided and cancelled the entire exercise and directed EBSIEC and the Ebonyi State Government listed as the 2nd and 3rd defendants not to conduct further Local Government elections in the State unless done strictly in accordance with the Constitution and relevant Electoral laws.

The ruling followed a suit filed by Samuel Udeogu and Isu Amaechi, through their counsels, Hamilton Ogbodo and Chief Mudi Erhenede, respectively. The court granted most of the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, including consequential orders affirming the illegality of the disputed elections.

Damilare Ajiboye, African tech entrepreneur and youth ambassador, has called for stronger collaboration among African youth to harness technology as a unifying tool for innovation, peacebuilding, and regional development.

Ajiboye made this remark during a live interview on TVC News, where he discussed Africa’s growing digital potential and the importance of empowering young innovators to drive inclusive progress across the continent.

Appearing on the TVC News Bulletin as part of the media engagements following his participation in the African Youth Diplomatic Conference 2025, Ajiboye spoke passionately about how technology can help bridge cultural and economic divides in Africa.

‘Technology has become one of the strongest instruments for peace and progress in our generation,’ Ajiboye said during the broadcast. ‘When young people are equipped to innovate, they can turn challenges into shared solutions, and that’s where true leadership begins.’

Ajiboye, who is the CEO and Founder of Ocean Trends Digital Limited, has been at the forefront of Africa’s technology and entrepreneurship landscape, building indigenous software products that promote financial inclusion, healthcare efficiency, and educational access. During the interview, he emphasised that the next wave of Africa’s development will be powered by ‘digital diplomacy’ where young people collaborate across borders through innovation, trade, and knowledge sharing.

‘Our future as a continent depends on how well we connect ideas, not just economies,’ he added. ‘Technology gives us the power to do both.’

Producers of the program described Ajiboye’s session as ‘a timely reflection on leadership and digital inclusion,’ noting that his appearance highlights the vital role of Africa’s new generation of innovators in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future.

Ajiboye’s message aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision, ‘The Africa We Want’ and reinforces his continued advocacy for youth-led digital transformation and ethical leadership across Africa.

The Group CEO of CWG Plc, Adewale Adeyipo, has called for a decisive shift from rhetoric to action in Africa’s technology landscape.

Speaking at the fourth edition of the annual Texcellence Conference, themed ‘Future Forward Africa,’ Adeyipo urged governments, investors, and innovators to work together to transform the continent’s immense potential into tangible progress.

Adeyipo emphasised that the continent’s growth will depend on its ability to build trusted digital ecosystems that empower local talent, attract investment, and scale innovation across borders.

‘Africa’s potential is unquestionable, but potential alone doesn’t drive progress,’ Adeyipo stated. ‘We need connected infrastructure, collaborative policy, and visionary partnerships that ensure our technology ambitions translate into economic advantage.’

During his address, the CWG CEO outlined three strategic pillars for driving Africa’s next phase of digital advancement:

1. Cross-border collaboration – building integrated pan-African platforms that allow startups and enterprises to scale seamlessly across markets.

2. Patient capital – encouraging investors to nurture innovation with long-term commitment, rather than short-term returns.

3. Enabling policies and partnerships – creating environments that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

According to Adeyipo, these pillars will be instrumental in bridging the gap between innovation and inclusion. He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure, interoperability, and digital trust as critical enablers of Africa’s competitiveness. Adeyipo urged leaders to adopt a mindset shift, and move from isolated innovation to ecosystem thinking, as the future of technology on the continent will depend on collaboration, not competition.

‘Beyond building solutions, we must build systems that connect them. From fintech to energy and education, Africa’s progress will be defined by how effectively we collaborate,’ he added.

The recently held Texcellence Conference 4.0, hosted by CWG Plc, brought together leaders from finance, technology, and government to explore how Africa can harness innovation to compete on a global scale. The 2025 edition featured high-level sessions such as Defining Africa’s Role in the Global Digital Financial System, Harnessing Frontier Technologies for a Competitive Advantage, and Leading the Next Wave of Global Innovation, with speakers from leading organisations across various industries.

Adeyipo’s remarks resonated with the conference’s overarching vision of positioning Africa as a key player in the evolving global digital economy.

The event concluded with networking sessions, product showcases, and cross-industry dialogues, reinforcing CWG’s commitment to shaping the continent’s technology agenda through collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

After investing $125,000 in 25 entrepreneurs through its inaugural Vanguard Fellowship, the Mary Ojulari Foundation has opened applications for Cohort 2, extending its push to strengthen entrepreneurship and inclusive growth across Nigeria.

The fellowship, one of the Foundation’s flagship empowerment programs, focuses on turning early-stage ideas into scalable ventures by combining mentorship, business development training, and catalytic funding. It also seeks to close Nigeria’s persistent funding and skills gap for small and medium enterprises, a segment that drives over 40 percent of the country’s GDP but faces limited access to structured support.

Applications for the 2025/2026 cycle opened on September 24 and closes on October 26, the Foundation said. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on October 30, followed by interviews on November 1-2.

Those selected will join the Ignite Bootcamp, a two-week immersion running from November 10-21, culminating in a Pitch Day where fellows will present to investors and industry leaders for a chance at seed funding and continued mentorship.

Speaking on the new cohort, Mary Ojulari, founder of the Foundation, said the program was created to bridge the gap between innovation and opportunity in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

‘There are so many ideas that fade, not because they lack potential, but because they lack access to capital, mentorship, and the right mindset,’ Ojulari said. ‘The Vanguard Fellowship exists to nurture those ideas and the exceptional individuals behind them.’

The Foundation said applications are open to aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs developing sustainable, scalable solutions to community or economic challenges. Each applicant can submit a five-minute video or a 750-word written pitch detailing their story, business model, and vision for impact.

‘Our goal is to support founders who are intentional, disciplined, and ready to build solutions that make lives better. The impact must circulate; when one is lifted, others should rise too.’

The Vanguard Fellowship fills a crucial gap in Nigeria’s innovation pipeline, offering entrepreneurs not only funding but the practical guidance and investor access needed to survive beyond the startup phase.

Founded to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and social transformation across Africa, the Mary Ojulari Foundation runs initiatives such as the Vanguard Fellowship and Ignite Bootcamp to empower young founders with the tools and networks required for long-term growth and measurable community impact.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The process is scheduled to commence on Thursday, October 23, 2025, and will close on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

In a statement signed by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, director of Strategic Communications, NELFUND, the agency expressed appreciation to tertiary institutions across the country for their continued cooperation and urged them to sustain their support to ensure a seamless and inclusive loan process for all eligible students.

According to the statement, institutions are reminded to update and upload verified records of both returning and newly admitted students on the NELFUND Student Verification Portal, noting that the exercise is crucial for students to successfully apply for and benefit from the loan scheme.

To facilitate a smooth rollout, NELFUND advised institutions to take note of the following key details: ‘Portal Opening Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025.

‘Portal Closing Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026.

‘Eligible Students: Returning and newly admitted students of accredited tertiary institutions.

‘Student Identification: Fresh students may apply using either their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number (in place of a Matric Number).

‘Institutional Flexibility: Institutions are encouraged to exercise understanding in enforcing registration and fee payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement.

‘Special Notice: Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session are advised to formally notify NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility,’ the statement reads.

The Fund also appealed to institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are still being processed, emphasising that no student should lose access to education due to financial constraints.

For technical support or further enquiries, NELFUND advised institutions to contact the Fund through its official communication channels.

In classrooms across Lagos, anticipation turned into action as 200 of the state’s brightest pupils converged for the Top 40 Academic Excellence Competition, the second stage of the Sweetthinkers Academic Excellence Award Initiative.

This stage brought together pupils from 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) to compete simultaneously across Lagos West, Central, and East, in a day designed to celebrate learning, foster healthy competition, and spotlight academic excellence.

A Milestone in a Four-Stage Journey

Following a strong start in Stage One, where over 2,000 students from government owned primary schools participated in standardized paper tests, the top 200 pupils (10 per LGEA) progressed to the second stage – the Senatorial District Stage.

At this level, they competed across three venues:

Lagos East: Multilingual International Resource Centre, Maryland

Lagos Central: Fazelomar Hammdiár Primary School, Lagos Island

Lagos West: Methodist Primary School Hall, Oshodi

Each venue buzzed with excitement as pupils tackled a rigorous 30 minute paper test, followed by on-site marking, tie-breakers, certificate presentations, and celebration of exceptional performances. Teachers, parents, and education stakeholders turned out in numbers, cheering as the future of Lagos education came alive before their eyes.

‘Sweetthinkers is all about inspiring excellence, one challenge at a time,’ said a representative of the initiative. ‘From over 2,000 pupils, we’ve narrowed down to 200 competing today across Lagos – and by the end of this stage, the best 40 are moving forward. But beyond the competition, the goal is to build mentorship, scholarship, and infrastructural support that empowers schools and pupils alike.’

Powered By Partnership

Behind this large scale effort is a growing network of sponsors who believe in the power of education. This year’s Top 40 stage was powered by the generous support of Sweettooth Café, UAC Foods Limited, Hothobs Cuisine, and BOLAD Catering Services – whose contributions ensured seamless logistics, meaningful experiences, and continued visibility for public-school excellence across Lagos.

‘Sweetthinkers is a lofty idea – a vision born from people who care deeply about tomorrow, about the future of our children, and the development of our state,’ said Mr. Oladunmiye, Desk Officer for Co-Curricular Activities at Maryland LGEA. ‘What they are doing deserves to be praised and supported.’

Why It Matters

Sweetthinkers isn’t just rewarding bright pupils – it’s transforming schools and communities. The initiative ties academic success to infrastructural development, ensuring that when a child wins, their school wins too.

‘We’ve been preparing our pupils even beyond class hours – spending extra time in the library, guiding them, asking questions, helping them think critically,’ shared a teacher from USCC National Primary School. ‘Programs like this ignite a passion for learning and motivate children to stay in school and aim higher.’

‘Real change starts from the grassroots,’ added Olufunmilayo Olaniwun, Convener of Sweetthinkers. ‘By spotlighting young minds in our public schools, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter society.’

The impact goes beyond awards. It builds confidence, nurtures ambition, and gives public-school children a reason to dream bigger.

What’s Next: From 200 to 4

From the 200 pupils who competed across the three senatorial districts, 40 qualifiers emerged:

10 each from Lagos East and Lagos Central

20 from Lagos West

These top pupils will advance to Stage Three, a Computer-Based Test (CBT) round introducing technology-enhanced learning and assessment. From there, finalists will proceed to the Grand Finale, a live stage quiz designed to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the power of education.

Join the Movement

Sweetthinkers calls on corporate organizations, government agencies, and philanthropists to partner in sustaining this life-changing initiative.

By supporting Sweetthinkers, you’re not just sponsoring a competition – you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria.

The House of Representatives has resolved to invetestigate the utilisation $4.6 billion received by Nigeria from the Global Fund and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) between 2021 and 2025.

Nigeria has received an estimated $1.8 billion in grants from the Global Fund between 2021 and 2025, and over $2.8 million from USAID between 2022 and 2024 to address health challenges such as HIV, malaria, polio and tuberculosis.

The House added that the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contributed over $6 billion to Nigeria from 2021 to 2025 for combating HIV/AIDS and strengthening health and community systems. The House expressed concerns that despite these ‘significant’ investments, Nigeria remains burdened by public health threats, including15,000 AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 in 2023, 51,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023, ranking Nigeria third globally in HIV-related deaths. Lawmakers also highlighted that Nigeria has the highest malaria burden globally, with 26.6% of cases and 31% of deaths worldwide, and ranks first in Africa and sixth globally in TB burden, accounting for 4.6% of the global burden.

The resolution to probe utilisation of the funds was reached during plrnary on session on Tuesday following a motion sponsored by Amobi Ogah, Lawmaker representing Abia, represented by Philio Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the House.

The House reaveled that there had been no comprehensive and coordinated oversight by the National Assembly regarding the implementation and utilisation of the grants, and warned that without immediate reevaluation and robust oversight, Nigeria risks failing to meet the 2030 elimination target, continuing to bear an enormous disease burden.

The House, therefore, mandated its Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control to investigate the utilisation of grants received by Nigeria from 2021 to 2025 for combating HIV, TB, and malaria and report within four weeks for further legislative action.