Category: Nigerian Tribune

The FIFA World Cup is the ideal stage for the consolidation of players who can suddenly go from unknowns to major revelations in world football and take giant steps in their careers by moving to top clubs. Here, the article will cover this type of athlete: those who were not chosen by a sports betting platform to be the best breakout players in the competition, but who ended up making a major impression.

Do not therefore expect to see on this list names that, despite their established profiles, have already proven themselves on the world stage, such as Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, and Désiré Doué, but rather those who became more widely known at the World Cup. Many of them are from the African continent, proving that football there is growing constantly and that the potential to uncover stars is on the rise.

Yan Diomande – Ivory Coast

Those who closely follow European football, particularly the German Bundesliga, already had their eye on Ivorian winger Yan Diomandé. After all, he had already scored 12 goals and 8 assists playing for RB Leipzig, impressive numbers for someone with limited experience in one of the most competitive leagues on the planet.

He therefore arrived at the World Cup with enormous expectations and met them with mastery. In the very first match, he led Ivory Coast’s attacking play, showing an enormous ability to beat defenders and create goalscoring chances. Against Germany, he also stood out during the period when the Ivorians were the better team.

He is now being targeted by major clubs in world football and will certainly not remain at RB Leipzig in the next European season. The player is said to have rejected an offer from Liverpool and is practically agreed with Paris Saint-Germain, who could pay up to 100 million euros for him. It is worth noting that Diomandé is not the only breakout star of the Ivory Coast, which is why the team tends to have strong campaigns in the next World Cups.

Ayyoub Bouaddi

Bouaddi was unknown to the wider football public, but that changed rapidly at the World Cup. In the opening match against Brazil, a game in which Morocco were widely superior, the midfielder caught everyone’s attention by being everywhere on the pitch and controlling the Moroccan midfield. Those who did not know him could have mistaken him for a veteran player, such was the maturity demonstrated by the athlete.

The player could have chosen between representing France or Morocco, and opted for the African team shortly before the World Cup, as he understood that he would not have chances of playing for the European side. The mental strength demonstrated by the player is a reflection of his routine, as everyone who works with him confirms that he developed through great discipline, a focus on the physical aspects of the game, and very careful attention to nutrition.

Bouaddi currently plays for Lille in France, the club where he made his professional debut. However, he will also hardly remain at the club after his excellent World Cup. The midfielder is Manchester City’s primary target in this transfer window. The figures for the deal could be around 100 million euros.

Nestory Irankunda

Nestory Irankunda was the standout player for the Australian national team at the World Cup. In the opening match against Turkey, when most football fans believed the Europeans would win comfortably, the striker quickly demonstrated his talent and decided the game in favour of the Oceanian side. His speed and finishing ability were his main highlights.

With Irankunda, Australia secured second place in their group, confirming a strong campaign that went even beyond expectations. After all, those who downloaded the 1xBet mobile app would have seen from the odds that Australia’s chances of qualifying from the group were slim, with the team being the least fancied to advance to the round of 16. The player currently plays for Watford in England. Before that, he had an unsuccessful journey at Bayern Munich, but following his strong displays at the World Cup, he should get another chance at a bigger European club.

Antonio Nusa

Those who expected Norway to rely solely on Haaland and Odegaard at the World Cup also saw Antonio Nusa impress. The winger who plays for RB Leipzig introduced himself to the football world as a hugely important part of the Norwegian attack, helping the team to their best ever campaign, eliminating Brazil, and reaching the quarter-finals.

Nusa stood out for his pace, his dribbling, and his enormous goal-scoring potential. This was more evident than ever in his stunning goal against Ivory Coast that opened the way for Norway’s victory and helped send the European side through to the round of 16. In the last Bundesliga season, the player scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists. He is now already being linked with major European clubs.

Andreas Schjelderup

Another Norwegian standout was Andreas Schjelderup, who competed with Antonio Nusa for the wing position throughout the tournament, with each of them used for different types of matches, and both performing well. Schjelderup showed a more technical style of play, being a winger who also plays in the middle and specialises in assists. He provided the passes for both of Haaland’s goals that eliminated Brazil.

Schjelderup currently plays for Benfica in Portugal. In the last edition of the local league, he scored 7 goals and provided 5 assists. The Portuguese club has now indicated that they may sell the player for around 40 million euros.

Ibrahim Mbaye

Senegalese player Mbaye already had a certain profile from being a Paris Saint-Germain player, despite having few opportunities at the French side. However, after the World Cup, his chances should increase somewhat. The main highlight was his stunning goal against France in the Africans’ opening match.

He stood out for his pace and dribbling on the wing and, on many occasions, completely changed the style of Senegal’s play. With that profile, it is possible to imagine the player shining in several more World Cups.

Ibrahim Maza

Algeria had a World Cup of highs and lows, but Ibrahim Maza managed to stand out in the team. He already plays for Bayer Leverkusen, showing that he had already caught the attention of major European powerhouses even before the World Cup. However, having made his mark on football’s biggest stage, he will certainly gain even more prominence from now on and will be on the radar of other European giants. In the last Bundesliga season, he already had 3 goals and 4 assists.

The player is valued at around 45 million euros. Maza’s style of play is increasingly rare in world football, as a central attacking midfielder with an excellent ability to dribble.

Johan Manzambi

Swiss player Johan Manzambi was probably one of the most outstanding breakout players at the World Cup and the statistics speak for themselves: he had 3 goals and 2 assists in 4 World Cup matches. This is even more impressive considering that he did not start the competition as a starter, but rather came on in the second half and completely changed matches in Switzerland’s favour. The player demonstrated the ability to totally break down defences with quick dribbles down the flanks and excellent passing.

In fact, the European side lost a great deal of their attacking threat after the player picked up an injury on the eve of the round of 16 against Colombia. He therefore faced neither Colombia nor Argentina, considerably reducing Switzerland’s attacking potential. He played last season for Freiburg in the Bundesliga, scoring 5 goals and providing 4 assists in the competition. He will not be staying at the club next season: after being pursued by both Newcastle and Aston Villa from the English Premier League, the striker is close to signing with Villa in a deal that could reach 70 million euros.

Rayan

Brazil did not perform well at the World Cup, but striker Rayan still managed to stand out. He has had a meteoric rise in his career: until the end of 2025, he played for Vasco in the Brazilian Championship. He then transferred to Bournemouth in the Premier League and immediately adapted to English football: in just 15 games, he scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists.

At the World Cup, he started on the bench but became a starter for the Brazilian national team after Raphinha’s injury in the second round against Haiti. After that, he never lost his place. In addition to his excellent finishing, the player was extremely important tactically in pressing against opposing defences and created several goalscoring chances by winning the ball in the attacking half. He is currently valued at more than 100 million euros.

Other breakout players who stood out at the World Cup

In addition to those already mentioned, several other breakout players made a certain impression at the tournament. See some of them:

Alex Freeman – United States

Luc de Fougerolles – Canada

Caleb Yirenkyi – Ghana

Christ Inao Oulai – Ivory Coast

From the betting side, these names matter because a World Cup changes prices fast. A player who starts on the bench and suddenly becomes decisive can reshape markets for goals, assists, shots, qualification and outright campaigns in a matter of days. Bookmakers do not price only reputation; they also react to minutes, role, fitness, tactical importance and the way each new standout changes the balance of a team. That is why breakout players often become one of the most watched parts of the tournament once the group stage gives way to the knockout rounds.

Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) Plc has declared an interim dividend of N1.30 per ordinary share after delivering its strongest half-year financial performance on record, with profit before tax surging by 170 per cent to N14.76 billion in the first six months of 2026, underscoring the sustained momentum in Nigeria’s capital market.

The impressive performance was driven by a sharp increase in trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange, higher listing fees, stronger technology income and significantly improved earnings from its investment portfolio, particularly its stake in Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

The Group’s unaudited financial results for the period ended June 30, 2026, showed that revenue more than doubled, rising 118 per cent to N17.60 billion from N8.08 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Total income also climbed 96 per cent to N19.34 billion.

Transaction fees remained the biggest growth driver, increasing by 169 per cent to N13.34 billion from N4.96 billion a year earlier, reflecting heightened trading activity and improved investor participation in the equities market. Listing fees rose 59 per cent to N2.38 billion, while technology income increased 19 per cent to N447.86 million.

The robust revenue growth translated into stronger profitability as operating profit advanced 155 per cent to N10.62 billion, compared with N4.16 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, highlighting the Group’s ability to leverage rising income while maintaining cost discipline.

In addition, NGX Group’s share of profit from equity-accounted investee companies surged 130 per cent to N4.14 billion, largely supported by the strong earnings performance of Central Securities Clearing System Plc.

As a result, profit after tax rose 146 per cent to N10.36 billion, compared with N4.22 billion in the first half of last year.

The Group also strengthened its financial position during the period, with total assets increasing to N75.87 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to N60.49 billion, up from ?55.20 billion at the end of 2025.

The Board said the interim dividend reflects the quality of the Group’s earnings, improved cash generation and confidence in its long-term growth strategy, while retaining sufficient resources to invest in technology, market development and strategic initiatives across the capital market ecosystem.

Commenting on the results, Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, said the Board’s decision to declare an interim dividend demonstrates confidence in the sustainability of the Group’s growth.

‘The Board’s approval of an interim dividend of N1.30 per share reflects the strength of NGX Group’s first-half performance and our confidence in the Group’s long-term prospects,’ he said.

Kwairanga added that the Board remains committed to balancing attractive shareholder returns with continued investment in infrastructure, technology and strategic initiatives aimed at deepening Nigeria’s capital market.

Also commenting, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Temi Popoola, attributed the record performance to stronger market activity, increased listing income and improved contributions from investee companies.

‘Our first-half results demonstrate the strength and scalability of NGX Group’s business model,’ Popoola said, noting that the company would continue to deepen market liquidity, expand investor participation, accelerate technology-enabled products and build a more diversified financial market infrastructure group.

The performance comes amid a sustained rally in the Nigerian equities market, which has witnessed record levels of market capitalisation, increased trading volumes and stronger investor confidence in 2026, positioning NGX Group to benefit from rising market activity while enhancing shareholder value through improved earnings and dividend payouts.

Anambra-born pharmacist and actor Chimsom Chuka has emerged as the first Head of House (HoH) in the 11th season of Big Brother Naija (BBN) after winning the show’s inaugural HoH challenge.

The victory, announced by Big Brother on Monday, earned the 27-year-old immunity from this week’s eviction, making him the only housemate safe from possible elimination during the opening week of the competition.

The HoH task, held on the first full day of the reality show, saw the male housemates compete among themselves while the female contestants also battled separately. The best overall performances were then compared, with Chimsom recording the fastest time to claim the coveted title.

Abi, a chef and model from Osun State, finished second overall and was named the Deputy Head of House.

This season, however, Big Brother introduced a major twist to the traditional HoH privileges. Unlike previous editions, the winner does not automatically move into the luxurious Head of House loft.

Instead, Chimsom was required to select a fellow housemate through a lucky dip to enjoy the accommodation. After drawing from a yellow lucky dip box, he picked Tram, who was granted access to the exclusive Head of House residence for the week. Tram later selected Sheba to share the apartment with him.

Although Chimsom will not stay in the Head of House loft, he retains the most significant advantage of the position-immunity from this week’s eviction-along with other leadership responsibilities and special privileges from Big Brother.

Before entering the house, Chimsom described himself as someone who remains calm under pressure and said authenticity would be his strategy throughout the competition.

‘The biggest strength I have is being myself,’ he said during his pre-show introduction, expressing confidence that viewers would connect with his genuine personality rather than a carefully crafted game plan.

As of the time of the announcement, the housemates were still taking part in the nomination process ahead of the first eviction of the season.

The ‘Show Ya Sef’ edition of Big Brother Naija features 24 contestants competing for the grand prize of ?160 million, with more twists and challenges expected to unfold in the weeks ahead.

The Federal Government has allocated N962.83bn for the procurement of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and empowerment projects in the 2026 budget, despite plans to finance a significant part of the spending through borrowing, civic technology organisation Tracka has said.

In its review of the 2026 Appropriation Act, Tracka said the allocation includes N15.13bn for the purchase of 39 SUVs and N947.70bn for 2,579 empowerment projects.

According to the organisation, the N962.83bn allocation is higher than the combined N960.27bn budgeted for seven federal ministries: Industry, Trade and Investment; Housing and Urban Development; Women Affairs; Justice; Livestock Development; Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Petroleum Resources.

Tracka noted that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment received N156.8bn, Housing and Urban Development N145.3bn, Women Affairs N169.39bn, Justice N150.7bn, Livestock Development N177.6bn, Aviation and Aerospace Development N87.3bn, while Petroleum Resources was allocated N73.1bn.

The organisation also raised concerns over the implementation of the empowerment projects, saying many lacked basic details.

It stated, ‘Yet, only 70 of the 2,579 empowerment projects have clearly identified implementation locations.’

Tracka said the absence of project locations raises questions about accountability and monitoring.

It asked, ‘How can citizens track projects with no stated location? How can oversight institutions verify implementation? How can taxpayers know who ultimately benefits from these allocations?’

According to the group, the 2,579 projects are spread across 184 implementing agencies, including institutions whose core responsibilities do not usually include empowerment programmes.

Its analysis showed that the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, was assigned 393 projects worth N127.1bn, while the National Agricultural Development Fund received six projects valued at N89.5bn. The Federal College of Horticulture, Dadin-Kowa, Gombe, was allocated 216 projects worth N88.1bn, while the Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan, got 94 projects valued at N36.9bn.

Tracka’s review also showed that the largest single empowerment allocation is N89.09bn for the Renewed Hope Fertiliser Support Programme under the National Agricultural Development Fund.

Other major allocations include N14bn for the procurement and distribution of economic empowerment equipment and utility vehicles through the Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, N14bn for youth empowerment programmes under the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, and another N14bn for youth empowerment and medical outreach under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The budget also provides funds for the purchase of buses, tricycles, motorcycles, electric vehicles, sewing machines, fertilisers, vocational equipment, grants and other empowerment items across different agencies and parts of the country.

While acknowledging the value of empowerment programmes, Tracka said they must be properly planned and openly implemented.

It said, ‘Let us be clear, there is nothing inherently wrong with empowerment programmes! When well-designed and transparently implemented, they can improve livelihoods, create economic opportunities, and support vulnerable Nigerians.’

However, it warned that many such projects have become tools for political patronage.

‘Experience over the years has shown that many poorly defined empowerment projects have become vehicles for political patronage, rewarding loyalists rather than delivering broad-based benefits to citizens. When projects have no clear location, no transparent beneficiary selection process, and are assigned to agencies without the appropriate mandate, public confidence is eroded, and accountability becomes difficult,’ the organisation stated.

Tracka also linked its concerns to the government’s borrowing plans for the 2026 budget.

It said, ‘This concern is even more pressing given that the 2026 Budget is projected to be financed with a deficit of about 46 per cent. At a time when government is borrowing heavily to fund public expenditure, every naira should be directed toward investments with clear development outcomes, measurable impact, and value for money, not opaque allocations that citizens cannot effectively track.’

The organisation called for greater transparency in future budgets.

According to Tracka, ‘A budget should not only allocate resources, it should also inspire public confidence. Every budget item should have a clear purpose, a defined location, an implementing agency with the legal mandate to deliver it, identifiable beneficiaries, and measurable outcomes.’

The Monetary Policy Committee (MCP) of the Central Bank of Nigeria convened last week against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical risks. CHIMA NWOKOJI, in this report, examines the decisions taken and how authorities are responding to renewed US-Iran tensions, which rekindled volatility in global oil and financial markets.

In view of developments in the global arena and the transmission effects on the domestic economy, the Monetary Policy Committee’s immediate priority remained twofold: preserving investor confidence in the country ‘s economy and keeping inflation expectations firmly anchored.

While the direct spillovers remain uncertain, officials stressed they are monitoring commodity price pressures, risk sentiment and exchange-rate dynamics closely to ensure that temporary shocks do not translate into persistent inflation or undermine the credibility of the policy framework.

On July 21 2026 the committee announced that it would hold the Monetary Policy Rate steady at 26.50 percent, retaining the standing facilities corridor at +50/-450 basis points and leaving the cash-reserve ratios unchanged at 45 percent for deposit-money banks, 16 percent for merchant banks and 75 percent for non-TSA public-sector deposits. 11 members attended the 306th meeting held on July 20 and 21.

Financial Derivatives Company Limited promptly applauded the decision. ‘Holding steady keeps investor confidence and inflation expectations anchored, and likely hedges against further price pressures resurfacing from renewed US-Iran tensions, higher food prices from supply shocks, and upcoming election-related spending,’ the FDC analysts stated.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s formal communiqué (No. 163) set out the rationale with unusual clarity. The committee noted that although headline inflation had eased marginally to 15.91 percent in June from 15.93 percent in May-ending three consecutive months of increases-global uncertainties had heightened ‘due mainly to the renewed hostilities in the Middle East.’ Food inflation climbed to 17.52 percent while core inflation moderated to 15.92 percent on the back of greater exchange-rate stability. The twelve-month average inflation rate continued its sixth consecutive decline, settling at 17.63 percent. Gross external reserves rose to US$52.52 billion by July 17, sufficient to cover roughly eleven months of imports.

Real GDP expanded by 3.89 percent in the first quarter, driven largely by the non-oil sector, while the composite Purchasing Managers’ Index edged above the 50-point threshold in June. The committee judged that the Nigerian economy had remained ‘largely resilient’ to external shocks thanks to earlier reforms, yet concluded that a cautious stance was still appropriate so that incoming data could be assessed before any further adjustment.

Strategic communication

Professor Uche Uwaleke, president of the Capital Markets Academics Association of Nigeria, welcomed the overall direction while pressing for sharper communication. ‘The Central Bank of Nigeria deserves commendation for its steadfast commitment to its statutory mandate of maintaining price and financial system stability,’ he said. ‘In a period characterised by significant domestic adjustments and heightened global uncertainty, the Bank has demonstrated resolve in deploying monetary policy to curb inflation, stabilise the foreign exchange market, strengthen external reserves, and preserve confidence in the financial system.

These efforts have contributed to notable improvements in key macroeconomic indicators and deserve recognition.’

Uwaleke argued, however, that effective central banking also requires clear and persuasive communication. ‘Monetary Policy Committee communiqués are not merely records of policy decisions; they are strategic communication tools that shape the expectations of investors, businesses, financial markets, researchers and the general public. For this reason, they should clearly articulate the rationale underpinning policy decisions, particularly when those decisions may appear to diverge from prevailing economic indicators,’ he said.

He observed that the latest communiqué itself highlighted developments that ordinarily strengthen the case for gradual easing-moderated headline and core inflation, declining average inflation and robust reserves-yet rested its justification primarily on external geopolitical risks. ‘While this explanation is understandable, the communique could have provided a stronger justification for maintaining such a restrictive monetary policy stance,’ Uwaleke noted.

He further cautioned against over-reliance on factors outside the bank’s control.

According to him, ‘Central banks are evaluated on the basis of their policy mandate, not their ability to influence geopolitical events. Over-emphasis on external risks may weaken public confidence. A stronger focus on domestic monetary conditions would reinforce the perception that policy decisions are anchored on the CBN’s statutory responsibilities.’ He also urged the Committee to distinguish more clearly between monetary factors and the structural or supply-side drivers of inflation-insecurity, infrastructure deficits and food-supply constraints-that lie beyond the direct reach of interest-rate policy, and to encourage complementary fiscal and structural measures where those drivers dominate.

Businesses and households

Entrepreneur and public-policy analyst Ayotunde Adenuga, offered a complementary reading aimed at businesses and households. ‘Many people will read the headline and move on; there are deeper meanings to the decision,’ he wrote. The MPR, he reminded readers, is the benchmark rate used by the Central Bank to influence borrowing costs, inflation and overall economic activity. By keeping it unchanged at 26.5 percent, the CBN is signalling that it prefers to maintain its current stance rather than tighten or loosen policy.

‘For businesses and households, this means borrowing costs are unlikely to fall immediately. Loans may remain expensive, and firms that rely heavily on bank financing may continue to face higher financing costs. For investors, the decision suggests that the CBN is still focused on maintaining price stability while closely monitoring inflation, exchange-rate developments and broader macroeconomic conditions,’ he noted.

Adenuga shifted the analytical frame, stating: ‘The key question is no longer ‘Why did the CBN hold rates?’ The more important question is: ‘What economic conditions would convince the CBN to begin cutting rates?’ That depends on factors such as inflation trends, exchange-rate stability, economic growth, liquidity conditions and global monetary developments.’

He stressed that monetary-policy decisions affect far more than banks. They influence business investment, consumer spending, stock-market sentiment, fixed-income returns and exchange-rate expectations. ‘A change in the MPR is more than a number. It is a signal of how the Central Bank views the economy today and where it believes the economy is heading tomorrow.’

Macroeconomic management

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) also backed CBN’s decision to hold all key monetary policy parameters steady, stating that the decision reflects a pragmatic, measured and increasingly sophisticated understanding of the inflation dynamics currently confronting the Nigerian economy.

.Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer, CPPE, in a policy brief said that at a time of heightened global uncertainty and mounting geopolitical tensions, the decision of the MPC sends a powerful signal of policy maturity, strategic restraint and confidence in the direction of macroeconomic management.

Yusuf explained that the current inflationary pressures are substantially structural and externally induced, adding that inflation at this time is being driven more by supply-side disruptions than by excess domestic demand.

The intensifying geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, according to Yusuf, have triggered fresh volatility in the global energy market, pushing up crude oil prices and transmitting severe cost pressures into domestic energy prices, transportation, logistics and manufacturing operations.

‘Monetary policy is a powerful stabilisation instrument, but it cannot repair supply chains, resolve geopolitical conflicts or eliminate structural bottlenecks in production and distribution. Attempting to force down structural inflation solely through aggressive monetary tightening would amount to applying a monetary solution to a structural problem.

‘The decision to hold rates, therefore, demonstrates a commendable recognition that excessive tightening at this stage could suffocate productivity, weaken industrial recovery, constrain investment appetite and undermine employment generation.

‘Economies do not grow on the strength of high interest rates; they grow on the strength of productivity, enterprise, investment confidence and policy coherence. The CPPE particularly commends the Central Bank for the increasingly disciplined management of the monetary policy architecture and the relative stability achieved in the foreign exchange market over recent months,’ he said.

Watching, guarding against external shocks

The Committee itself projected continued resilience in output growth, supported by improved crude-oil production, an expansionary PMI and the lagged effects of earlier reforms. Inflation is expected to moderate further in the medium term on the back of foreign-exchange stability, previous tightening and the approaching harvest season. The principal downside risk remains a severe and prolonged escalation of the Middle East conflict. Against that backdrop, the MPC reaffirmed its readiness to take appropriate measures guided by evolving data, with the next meeting scheduled for 21-22 September 2026.

Market participants generally interpreted the hold as a deliberate effort to lock in the gains already achieved in inflation moderation and reserve accumulation while keeping a weather eye on oil-price volatility and possible election-year fiscal pressures. By refusing to ease prematurely, the Committee signalled that the hard-won credibility of the current framework would not be sacrificed for short-term relief. At the same time, the detailed data presented in the communiqué-declining core inflation, rising reserves, a stabilising exchange rate and a banking sector strengthened by recapitalisation-offered tangible evidence that the restrictive stance has begun to deliver results.

Whether the communication surrounding those results can be sharpened further, as Uwaleke advocates, remains an open question for future meetings. What is already clear is that the July decision prioritised the twin objectives of investor confidence and anchored inflation expectations at a moment when external shocks threaten to test both. The coming months will reveal whether the balance of risks shifts sufficiently for the Committee to begin the long-awaited process of normalisation-or whether the same cautious vigilance will continue to define Nigeria’s monetary policy stance.

Analysts note that while monetary policy has helped stabilise the exchange rate and rebuild reserves, it cannot single-handedly resolve the structural constraints that keep food inflation elevated.

Investors, for their part, appear to have taken the hold in stride. Equity markets showed limited reaction in the immediate aftermath, while the fixed-income market continued to price in a prolonged period of elevated rates. Foreign portfolio investors, who had begun to return cautiously after the earlier reforms of 2024 and 2025, are watching the Middle East closely; any sustained spike in oil prices could improve Nigeria’s external balances even as it raises domestic fuel and transport costs.

For businesses, the message is one of continuity. Credit conditions remain tight, and many firms continue to rely on internal cash flows or more expensive alternative financing. Yet the relative predictability of the current stance is itself a form of stability. Households, meanwhile, face the dual reality of still-elevated borrowing costs and the prospect of further inflation moderation if the harvest season delivers and the naira holds its ground.

As the Committee prepares for its September meeting, attention will turn to the next set of inflation and growth data, the trajectory of global oil markets, and any signs of fiscal pressure linked to the electoral cycle. For now, the July decision stands as a clear affirmation that the CBN prioritises the anchoring of expectations over the temptation of premature easing. In a world of renewed geopolitical uncertainty, that commitment to credibility may prove the most valuable signal of all.

The traditional ruler of Babanla community in the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Oba Aliyu Yusuf Arojojoye, at the weekend, enjoined members of the public to desist from spreading false information about the community, especially on banditry.

Reports have it that Babanla community had experienced cases of banditry in recent times, resulting in loss of lives and property.

Speaking during the inauguration of a nine-man Transition Implementation Committee to steer the affairs of the National Executive Committee of the Babanla Community Development Association (BCDA), Oba Arojojoye said that ‘such actions not only de-market Babanla but also inflict incalculable damage on its good name.’

He emphasised that banditry is a national menace that the federal and state governments are taking every necessary step to contain.

He commended the federal and state governments for measures so far taken to restore peace and security in the community, noting that every effort would be made to effectively rout the remnants of the criminals from the adjoining forests around Babanla and Ile-Ire.

Meanwhile, the inauguration followed formal submission and adoption of the report of the five-man Constitution Drafting Committee chaired by Dr Aderemi Babatunde with Mallam Hamzat Lawal, Alhaji Hakeem Nurudeen, Lawyer Abdullateef Abdul Salam (members) and Mallam Ismail Sanni as secretary.

The meeting was attended by the monarch-in-council, with a cross-section of BCDA representatives across the country.

Receiving the draft, the monarch appreciated the Committee for a job well done, noting that generations yet unborn would remember them for producing the historic document.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Dr Aderemi Babatunde, had detailed the painstaking efforts undertaken by the Committee in producing the document.

Thereafter, a nine-member Transition Implementation Committee was constituted to manage the affairs of the Association for the next six months, pending elections into the various positions of the National Executive. The Committee is also charged with the responsibility of organising the modalities for the elections.

The members of the Transition Implementation Committee are: Dr. Jamiyu Omotayo Anigilaje (Chairman), Mallam Hamzat Lawal (Vice Chairman), Rev. Isaac Abolarin (Secretary) and Dr. Emmanuel Segun Alayode (Financial Secretary).

Others are Nurudeen Alabi (Treasurer), Lookman Yusuf (PRO), Moruf Musa (Auditor), Gafar Anigilaje (Ex-Officio I) and Ismaila Alabi (Ex-Officio II).

However, the traditional ruler appealed to all chapters of the association to extend cooperation and support to the committee to enable it to achieve impactful results to ensure continued progress for the Babanla community.

NON-indigenous residents from Southern states, Benue and Plateau living in Osun State have reaffirmed their support for the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke, while pledging commitment to peace, unity and inclusive development in the state.

The pledge was made at a town hall meeting held at the weekend in Ede.

The meeting was convened by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on non-indigenes from the South, Benue and Plateau States, Honourable Nworie Monday Michael.

The event began with a road show from ?ja Timi to the country home in Ede, where participants later converged for deliberations.

The gathering attracted unit coordinators, ward coordinators, local government coordinators, and representatives of Eze Ndigbo from across the state, alongside leaders of various non-indigenous communities residing in Osun.

Speaking at the meeting, Honourable Nworie urged participants to remain committed to peace and progress irrespective of ethnic background.

‘I encourage all the attendees to go out and continue gaining more ambassadors for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke and prepare for the big task ahead on August 15 for the re-election of our ever-performing Governor in your various units,’ he said.

He also stressed the need to safeguard the electoral process.

‘Casting your vote alone does not win an election in our country today. One must stand firm to protect one’s vote and deter anti-democratic agents from manipulating the process. I equally encourage you that if there are challenges anywhere, please reach out to me.’

Nworie further assured the communities of his continued support in addressing issues affecting non-indigenous residents and fostering stronger relations with government.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Mustapha Adisa Akintegbe, provided voter education on the electoral process.

He urged eligible voters yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, to do so, noting that active participation remains a key civic responsibility.

Akintegbe demonstrated the voting process and explained procedures for casting valid votes, while emphasising the importance of protecting ballots and ensuring proper counting.

Despite the apprehension within the nation’s business space on the recent decision by the United States of America (USA) to introduce a 12.5 percent tariff on imports from Nigeria, the Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has said the development may be of little economic impact to the country’s, afterall.

The centre, in a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muda Yusuf, on Sunday, argued that the impact of the tariffs, which also affected about 60 trading partners of the US, might be of little economic impact, from Nigeria’s perspective, since its exports to the US are heavily concentrated in crude oil, liquefied natural gas and other petroleum products.

Those products, accounting for more than 80 percent of Nigeria’s merchandise exports to the U.S., it stated, have been exempted from the tariff measures, leaving the bulk of Nigeria’s exports unaffected.

CPPE also noted that Nigeria might not be adversely affected since the US is not the nation’s largest export market.

Quoting Nigeria’s first-quarter 2026 merchandise trade statistics, the Centre noted that out of the total exports, which stood at approximately N21.6 trillion, exports to the US only accounted for 5.56 percent.

‘By comparison, India accounted for 13.09 percent, France 9.29 percent, the Netherlands 9.22 percent, and Spain 7.68 percent. The United States ranked only the fifth-largest destination for Nigerian exports during the quarter.

‘These trade patterns significantly moderate Nigeria’s exposure to the new tariff regime,’ it added.

The centre stated further that, while some non-oil exporters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, may experience reduced competitiveness in the U.S. market, the overall impact on Nigeria’s export earnings, foreign exchange receipts and macroeconomic performance is expected to be modest.

According to CPPE, the products affected account for only a small proportion of Nigeria’s total exports, while the dominant export category to the U.S. remains outside the scope of the tariffs.

It, however, described the development as reflecting a broader structural shift in global trade policy, which reinforces the trend towards greater protectionism, industrial policy and strategic use of trade instruments to advance domestic economic objectives.

The Centre, therefore, called for a stronger emphasis on export diversification, enhanced manufacturing competitiveness, increased domestic value addition and deeper regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

It also urged the country to sustain efforts at strengthening labour standards, improving supply chain transparency and engaging proactively with the United States through diplomatic and trade channels to seek clarity on the implementation of the new measures and minimise any adverse effects on affected exporters.

The Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction and death sentence imposed on a Kaduna-based man, Abu Umar, who stabbed another man to death in a fight.

A five-member panel of justices of the apex court, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Jummai-Hannatu Sankey, held that the appeal was lacking in merit and affirmed the July 22, 2020 decision of the Court of Appeal sitting in Kaduna which upheld the death sentence handed down to Umar by the High Court of Justice, Kaduna State, on December 14, 2017, about nine years after conviction.

The apex court agreed with the arguments of counsel to the Kaduna State Government, Emmanuel Ekpenyong.

In the respondent’s brief, Ekpenyong, who was granted a fiat to appear for the prosecution by the state’s Attorney General, argued that, on the evidence led at trial, the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Although, the Supreme Court judgment was delivered on April 17, its Certified True Copy (CTC) was made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Abu Umar, who was the appellant, had appealed against the unanimous verdict of the Appeal Court in Kaduna which affirmed the judgment of the Kaduna State High Court in charge number: KDH/KAD/29C/2016.

The state government had preferred against the defendant a one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221(b) of the Penal Code Law of Kaduna State.

Umar was alleged to have, on June 25, 2015, at Tafa Town in Niger State, stabbed one Abdulkadir Abubakar, on the right side of his chest with a knife during a fight.

Abubakar was said to have died shortly thereafter in Umaru Musa Yar’adua Hospital in Sabon Wuse, Niger State, where he was immediately taken to.

The appellant was apprehended at the crime scene and taken to the police station at Tafa, Niger State.

After the investigation at the police station at Tafa Town, the matter was later transferred to Anti-Homicide Section, Kaduna State CID of the Nigerian Police Force, for further investigation.

Upon conclusion of investigation, Umar was charged at Kaduna State High Court on one count on February 29, 2016 of the offence of culpable homicide and was arraigned before Justice G.I. Kurada.

In proving the charge, the prosecution called three witnesses and tendered three exhibits, including the knife which Umar allegedly used to stab Abubakar, before closing its case.

On his part, Umar, in line with his constitutionally guaranteed rights, decided to rest his case on that of the prosecution.

Thus, the defendant neither testified for himself nor did he adduce evidence through witnesses or other hard forms of evidence.

After evaluating the evidence presented before the court, Justice Kurada found Umar guilty as charged and proceeded to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Distressed by the turn of events, the appellant promptly approached the Appeal Court with his notice of appeal filed on January 23, 2018.

In its judgment on July 22, 2020, the Appeal Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the judgment of the trial court.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the appellant, through his lawyer, Umar Galadima filed a notice of appeal on August 19, 2020.

In his brief of argument marked: SC/CR/499/2022, Galadima asked, ‘whether the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal were not wrong when they affirmed the decision of the trial court on the ground that the respondent proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.’

Delivering the lead judgment, which was unanimously concurred by other justices, Justice Sankey sustained Ekpenyong’s arguments.

She held that the prosecution, through the eye-witness’ accounts of the 2nd prosecution witness (PW2), a police officer; PW-3, the father of Abubakar, and Exhibit 1, the extra-judicial confessional statement of Umar, proved the three ingredients of the offence he was charged for.

The judge opined that ‘the appellant has raised a dust storm over the absence of a medical report to establish the death of the deceased.’

Justice Sankey said: ‘In the circumstance of this case, medical evidence ceases to take a paramount place, the deceased having died a mere one hour and thirty minutes from his admission in the hospital.’

The judge held that the appellant sealed his fate and shot himself in the foot when he rested his case on that of the respondent.

‘From the entire analysis of the case of the respondent at the trial court, it was clear that the prosecution had discharged the burden placed on it by law to establish the guilt of the appellant beyond reasonable doubt.

‘Unfortunately, the appellant, who was all through the proceedings represented by counsel, was ill-advised to rest his case on the very evidence which conclusively established his guilt,’ she said and added that, ‘It is for these reasons that I resolve the sole issue for determination against the appellant and in favour of the respondent.

‘Consequently, I find this appeal sorely lacking in merit. It fails and is dismissed. Accordingly, the decision of the court below sitting in Kaduna, in appeal number: CA/K/370/C/2018 delivered on July 22, 2020, which affirmed the conviction and sentence of the appellant by the High Court of Justice, Kaduna State in charge number: KOH/KAD/29C/2016 delivered on December, 14, 2017, is hereby affirmed.’

The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune to learn the skill. Several reputable organisations offer free prompt engineering courses, and some provide certificates that can strengthen your CV and LinkedIn profile.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights free AI prompt engineering certification courses worth considering.

Google prompting essentials

Google’s Prompting Essentials is designed for beginners who want to learn how to communicate effectively with AI tools. The course explains how to write better prompts, refine AI-generated responses and use generative AI to improve productivity at work. Learners who complete the programme receive a certificate that can be added to their professional profile.

Microsoft AI skills fest

Microsoft offers free AI training through its AI Skills Fest and the Microsoft Learn platform. The courses cover topics such as generative AI, prompt engineering, responsible AI and Microsoft Copilot. Some learning paths award badges or certificates after completion.

AWS Educate

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides free AI learning materials through AWS Educate. Learners can explore the basics of generative AI, prompt engineering , cloud computing and machine learning while earning digital badges for selected courses. The platform is suitable for students and beginners who want to build cloud and AI skills.

IBM SkillsBuild

IBM SkillsBuild provides free online courses on artificial intelligence , including prompt engineering and generative AI. The platform is designed for students, job seekers and professionals who want practical digital skills. Many of the courses come with free digital credentials after successful completion.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning occasionally offers free access to selected AI and prompt engineering courses during promotional periods or through trial access. Completing these courses can help to demonstrate continuous learning and improve your professional profile.

OpenAI Academy

OpenAI Academy provides learning resources, webinars and training materials to help users understand AI tools and use them effectively. While offerings may vary, it is a useful platform for anyone looking to improve their AI knowledge using resources from the company behind ChatGPT.

Learn Prompting

Learn Prompting is a free, open-source educational platform dedicated to prompt engineering. It covers prompt-writing techniques, prompt security, AI safety and practical examples for beginners and advanced users. It is widely used by learners who want a deeper understanding of prompt engineering.