Category: The Nation – Nigeria

Nigeria is seeking partnership with Denmark’s richest man and Chief Executive Officer of Bestseller Group, Mr. Anders Holch Povlsen.

Yesterday, the President met with Povlsen, accompanied by Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Bach Hansen, at the Presidential Villa.

Other senior officials of the global fashion and philanthropy group were also on the delegation.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, writing on his X handle @aonanuga1956, the meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.

The Bestseller Foundation, a private philanthropic arm funded by Denmark’s Bestseller A/S, focuses on driving social and environmental impact-particularly across West Africa-and supports entrepreneurs and ventures that combine social progress with sustainable financial outcomes.

Before the meeting with President Tinubu, Mr. Povlsen and his delegation were received by Gbajabiamila and Dr. Tijani at the State House.

An indigenous tech firm, AbaaTech Solutions Limited, has unveiled the first app that performs three functions, Abaaly.

The app works for socialisation, communication, and financial transactions.

At the unveiling of the app yesterday in Lagos, its Founder/CEO, Mr. Power Aden, said the innovation strongly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Digital Economy Policy, which emphasise unity, inclusion, and digital empowerment as pathways to national prosperity.

Aden said by promoting communication, entrepreneurship, and creative expression, the initiative supports the President’s goal of building a diversified, innovative, and people-centred economy.

‘It complements government’s efforts while remaining independent, citizen-driven, and innovation-led, showing that private sector leadership can work hand-in-hand with public vision to build the Nigeria we all desire,’ he said.

The AbaaTech Solutions chief executive assured users that Abaaly would propel Nigeria to enter a new era of digital transformation and national pride with technology transformation.

According to him, the app is a groundbreaking innovation proudly built in Nigeria by Nigerians for Nigerians and the world.

Aden said: ‘This revolutionary secure platform represents far more than technology; it is a movement of unity, inclusion, and creativity, designed to connect every citizen, strengthen trust, and project Nigeria’s true image to the world. It is the only platform that comes with its security platform.

‘Abaaly brings together the essential elements of daily life, social interaction, communication, and financial transactions into one secure and accessible platform.

‘It allows citizens to chat, share, buy, sell, and pay effortlessly, enabling communities, businesses, and institutions to thrive together.

‘Whether you are in Lagos or Lafia, Sokoto or Port Harcourt, this technology works for everyone. It works both online and offline, ensuring Nigerians can connect, communicate, and transact even in areas with limited internet access across every social and economic class.’

The company chief executive described the platform as a unifying space that gives all Nigerians equal access to tools that simplify life, foster connection, and create opportunity.

He said the launch was a national call to action to all Nigerians who create, build, and inspire.

‘We call on content creators and artistes to develop and share authentic Nigerian stories, music, films and cultural content that reflect our identity and values.

‘Entrepreneurs and brand leaders to build and promote local products, fashion, food, and technologies that strengthen Nigeria’s economy and global reputation; writers, film makers, and musician to project our unique voices and reclaim our national narrative; innovators and technologies to design homegrown solutions that solve local challenges and show the world what Nigerian intelligence can achieve.

‘We all have a shared responsibility to promote our culture, our creativity, and our collective pride.

‘By building and sharing local content, we are not just telling our story, we are reshaping how the world sees Nigeria,’ he said.

According to him, the app is a bridge of trust between people and the nation, stressing that it enables easier communication, greater transparency, and stronger connection between people, government, and institutions.

Aden said it represents a future where every Nigerian can participate fully in the nation’s digital economy and social progress where technology strengthens unity and restores faith in our shared potential.

‘We are not just launching an app, we are launching a national vision. A vision where Nigerians connect, create, and thrive together. This is how we tell our story, this is how we build our future,’ he said.

Also, the Head of Atlanta Georgia, U.S.A office, Dr. Kazeem Bello, said the app has brought transformation to the world in the digital space.

According to him, the Mayor of Atlanta, Andre Dickens, is excited about the new innovation.

Bell said the app would prove to the world that there is nothing that can be done in the U.S., Canada or even India, reputed to be global tech capital, that young tech-savvy Nigerians cannot do. ‘There is no app anywhere in the world that can match the Abaaly super app,’ he said.

The Chief Operating Officer at AbaaTech Solutions Limited, Dr. Ola Raheem, described the app as a wholly Nigerian technology developed for the global tech ecosystem which is a mega export product for the country.

He said the app is the first of its type with its unique features, projecting that very soon, it will provide jobs for about 10,000 Nigerians.

Raheem said the company is working hard to ensure that content creators are paid in US dollars.

Every November, Lagos transforms into a vibrant playground of lights, ideas and cinematic brilliance. Red carpets roll out on the waterfronts of Victoria Island, while conversations spill from film screenings to rooftop mixers and hotel lobbies alive with creative energy. This is the atmosphere that defines the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)-a cultural phenomenon that has evolved into far more than a showcase of movies. Now in its 14th edition, AFRIFF has become one of Africa’s most dynamic instruments of cultural diplomacy-a soft power tool connecting Africa’s creative narratives to the world.

When it opens on November 2, AFRIFF will once again affirm Lagos’ place as the beating heart of Africa’s creative economy. For seven days, through November 8, the city will host a convergence of filmmakers, producers, investors, and policy influencers from across the continent and the diaspora. But this year’s edition comes with an even more ambitious stride: the launch of a film and content market designed to deepen creative trade and attract greater tourism inflow.

According to Ms. Chioma Ude, AFRIFF’s visionary founder, this new market represents a bold attempt to ‘connect storytellers and financiers,’ while positioning Nigeria-and by extension, Africa-as a serious player in the global entertainment economy. ‘Every November, AFRIFF transforms Lagos into a creative hub where producers, actors, and executives meet. This year, we expect the market to generate real deals and new partnerships,’ she said.

To understand AFRIFF’s diplomatic power, one must first appreciate what Lagos becomes during the festival. For a week, Africa’s most populous city dons a different mood. Film screenings dominate venues from Landmark Centre to EbonyLife Place, while panels, exhibitions and after-hours gatherings pulse with cross-cultural dialogue.

The economic footprint is also significant. The Hotel Owners Forum Lagos (HOFLA) reports that advance bookings for this year began rising as early as October, with occupancy projected to exceed 90 per cent around Victoria Island and Lekki. ‘AFRIFF now rivals major December events in the number of international guests it brings in,’ said Mr. Adewale Ayo-Adesanya, HOFLA’s vice chairman. ‘Many visitors extend their stay into December, so it helps Lagos’ tourism economy tremendously.’

Indeed, the festival’s ripple effect goes beyond film and art. The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture estimates that combined spending from delegates, sponsors, and audiences could top 5 billion naira, driven by hospitality, logistics, transport, and entertainment. This kind of economic injection affirms AFRIFF’s role not just as a cinematic showcase, but as a critical cultural and commercial engine.

Yet, behind the glitter of premieres and industry mixers lies a deeper story-the story of culture as currency. AFRIFF is increasingly positioning African storytelling as a diplomatic and developmental resource. In a world often dominated by Western narratives, African filmmakers are using this platform to reclaim agency, reshape perception, and engage in global cultural conversations on their own terms.

Since its inception in 2010, AFRIFF has evolved into an incubator for this new kind of diplomacy. It brings together not only artists, but policymakers, investors, and scholars in discussions about how film can drive continental integration, social change, and global understanding. Its screenings celebrate diversity-from Nigerian blockbusters to Kenyan documentaries and Afro-diasporic shorts-and in doing so, AFRIFF articulates a powerful message: Africa is not a monolith, but a mosaic of cultures, histories, and creative voices.

This is what cultural diplomacy looks like in motion. Where traditional diplomacy negotiates treaties and trade, cultural diplomacy builds empathy, recognition, and trust through art and shared humanity. ‘Film festivals like AFRIFF allow Africa to speak with its own voice,’ said a media scholar. ‘They project soft power-the ability to influence perception, not through force, but through creativity and authenticity.’

It is no accident that AFRIFF found a natural home in Lagos. The city has long been the cradle of Nigeria’s cultural industries-music, fashion, visual arts, and especially film. With its mix of energy, ambition, and chaos, Lagos embodies the cinematic spirit that AFRIFF celebrates. According to Ms. Ude, Lagos remains the natural host because of its ‘infrastructure and global reputation for creativity.’ Beyond that, Lagos offers something intangible: a unique urban rhythm that fuels stories. Every street corner hums with narrative potential. Every skyline shift reflects the continent’s restless creativity. It’s this backdrop that allows AFRIFF to flourish as both a local festival and an international statement.

The Lagos State Government recognises this diplomatic and economic potential. Mr. Idris Aregbe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, noted that the festival aligns perfectly with the state’s creative-industry agenda. ‘We support initiatives that position Lagos as a film-friendly destination,’ he said. ‘Beyond the screenings, we want visitors to explore our beaches, galleries, and culinary spots. AFRIFF is a statement of how Lagos welcomes the world through culture.’

While most audiences will focus on the glamour-the premieres, the red carpets, the celebrity sightings-the real story this year might unfold behind closed doors in the film and content market. This new segment represents a structural shift from cultural showcase to commercial and diplomatic leverage. Across the world, such markets-like the Cannes Marché du Film or Toronto’s Industry Conference-serve as meeting points where art meets capital. AFRIFF’s version aims to do the same for Africa: providing a continental marketplace where studios, streamers, and investors can connect with creators. This is vital for an industry that still struggles with financing, distribution, and global reach.

If successful, it could birth new co-productions, licensing deals and technology partnerships that will redefine how African stories travel. It could also cement Nigeria’s leadership in what economists now call the ‘orange economy’-the creative industries that drive innovation and growth. ‘We are building a pipeline where creativity meets investment,’ Ude said. ‘It’s about ownership, opportunity, and global visibility.’

Beyond culture and commerce, AFRIFF is now a powerful tourism magnet. With thousands of international and domestic visitors each year, the festival has become a key driver of Lagos’ cultural tourism strategy. The synergy between film and tourism is deliberate: cinema seduces imagination; tourism fulfills it. Visitors who fall in love with the Lagos they see on screen are often tempted to experience it in person. The state government, through its Ministry of Tourism, has intensified collaboration with security and traffic agencies to ensure smooth movement during the event. For Lagos, such coordination is more than logistics-it’s branding. Each successful festival reinforces the city’s image as a cosmopolitan hub, open to global business and creativity.

Economically, the benefits are clear. Local restaurants, transport services, event vendors, and artisans all report spikes in demand during the festival. But the larger payoff lies in perception. As Ayo-Adesanya of HOFLA observed, ‘AFRIFF helps Lagos tell a different story-one of innovation, sophistication, and hospitality.’ Equally important, AFRIFF has remained a nurturing ground for emerging talent. Through its annual workshops, master-classes, and mentorship programmes, it invests in the future of African filmmaking. This year’s edition includes a master-class on Artificial Intelligence storytelling tools, reflecting the festival’s adaptability to global creative trends.

Over the years, thousands of young filmmakers have benefited from AFRIFF’s training initiatives, many going on to win global recognition. By empowering this new generation, AFRIFF is not only enriching local content creation but also fostering cross-cultural competence-key to cultural diplomacy. ‘When young filmmakers learn to tell their stories authentically, they become ambassadors of culture,’ said Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, the late founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, in one of her last interviews. ‘AFRIFF has given them a platform to be seen and heard.’

The essence of cultural diplomacy lies in influence without imposition. Through film, nations communicate their values, aspirations and worldviews subtly yet powerfully. For Africa, long misrepresented or underrepresented, festivals like AFRIFF offer a chance to rewrite global narratives. In recent years, AFRIFF has screened films that tackle pressing issues-from gender and identity to governance, migration, and resilience. These stories travel across continents, sparking dialogue and empathy. In doing so, they challenge stereotypes and invite audiences into Africa’s contemporary realities. By amplifying these voices, AFRIFF performs the same function as cultural embassies-creating spaces where exchange replaces misunderstanding, and collaboration replaces isolation. It is diplomacy through cinema.

As the closing night approaches each year, anticipation builds for the unveiling of a major Nollywood premiere. This year’s title remains undisclosed, but expectations are high. The finale has become a symbolic moment-Nigeria’s creative industry taking a bow before the world. But beyond the glamour, the takeaway is clear: AFRIFF has matured into a global player. With over 2,000 participants annually and growing influence across the continent, it now rivals established film festivals in scale and ambition. Its ability to blend artistry, commerce, and diplomacy makes it a unique model for Africa’s soft power strategy.

In an era when nations compete not just through economics but through cultural influence, AFRIFF gives Nigeria and Africa a voice that resonates beyond borders. Each film, each conversation, each collaboration at the festival becomes an act of engagement-proof that stories can do what politics often cannot: build bridges of understanding. AFRIFF’s journey mirrors Africa’s own cultural reawakening. What began as a modest festival has become a movement-a fusion of cinema, diplomacy, and development. It is a reminder that stories, when told with authenticity and vision, can move nations and markets alike.

In Lagos, that energy feels palpable. Every November, as the lights dim and a new film flickers to life on the screen, the city doesn’t just watch-it converses with the world. AFRIFF is that conversation: Africa, confident and creative, telling its own story, in its own voice, and inviting the world to listen. For Ms. Ude and her team, this is just the beginning. The content market, the training initiatives, and the international collaborations all point to a future where AFRIFF becomes not only Africa’s leading film festival but its most potent cultural diplomacy platform. Because in the end, cinema is more than art-it’s language, connection and power. And through AFRIFF, Lagos speaks it fluently.

The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent.

The Bill introduces strict penalties for those who break the law while tackling wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.

The Bill, passed by the House of Representatives, has updated existing wildlife laws, increased penalties for wildlife crimes, and provides greater authority to investigators to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence led operations.

It also empowers judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover offender assets while promoting international collaboration by aligning with global treaties and allowing extradition of offenders.

A statement by the West African Director Wild Africa, Linus Unah, explained the passing of this bill is a huge win for Nigeria and shows, without any doubt, that the government remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting its unique fauna and flora.’

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, who sponsored the bill Hon. Terseer Ugbor said: ‘This shows without doubt, that Nigeria remains committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking. This also means that with stronger laws, Nigeria’s forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. ‘We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future.

‘In the last decade, Nigeria emerged as a major hub for the trafficking of ivory and pangolin sales to Asian markets, the West African country was linked to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019. Environmental organizations have praised this latest development, saying that the Bill demonstrates Nigeria’s response to tackle serious and organised wildlife trafficking’.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director noted that for too long, traffickers have used Nigeria as a transit country for the illegal wildlife trade, bringing endangered wildlife from all over Africa through the porous borders, ports and airports to export them illegally to Europe and Asia.

He said: ‘The Bill aims to halt this shameful trade which is destroying our environment and ruining Nigeria’s global reputation. We salute the Nigerian Senate for taking this bold step which will make Nigeria a global leader with one of the most progressive wildlife laws for the African continent.’

Rapper Erigga has expressed reservations about polygamy, citing the harm it can cause to women and children.

Drawing from personal experience growing up in a polygamous home, he noted that such arrangements often lead to conflict and hurt feelings, with women and kids typically bearing the brunt.

In an interview with Yanga FM Lagos, he said: ‘I am trying not to be like my father. I don’t like polygamy; one person gets hurt, which is the woman. There’s never a polygamous situation where the man gets hurt; it’s always the woman and the kids.’

Erigga stated that he is making a conscious effort to avoid polygamy, opting instead for monogamy, which he believes is a more straightforward and fulfilling choice.

In his view, polygamy can be complex and painful, particularly for the women and children involved.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says he is investing in infrastructural development across the state to fastrack economic development.

Adeleke said this while inspecting the Lagere flyover and other projects on Wednesday in Ile-Ife.

The governor said he believed that improved infrastructure would fast track economic development, hence, the various infrastructural development in the state.

Adeleke, who decried the neglect of Ile-Ife and abandonment of several projects by the previous administration, said the cultural capital of Yoruba people deserved the best roads and other infrastructures.

According to the governor, the flyover is strategically located at an economic nerve center of Osun East, connecting Osun West, Ijesahland and Ondo State through Garage Olode.

‘An economic hub is being created through this iconic flyover bridge.

‘Aside from the making of an economic hub, our administration is conscious of the tourism potentials and importance of Ile Ife to millions of Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora.

‘In our creative economy agenda, Ile-Ife occupies a prime place.

‘ The cradle of Yoruba nation thus deserves mass infra upgrade to support our vision of a cultural capital drawing multi billion dollar tourism opportunities in the near future’, he said.

Adeleke, however, threatened to terminate any non-performing contractor handling various infrastructural projects in the state.

‘I urge various contractors handling our various infrastructure projects to be up and doing.

‘I task them to show commitment to delivering on the awarded contracts. I expect those contractors to maintain presence and ensure memorability of the roads while the contract lasts.

‘Our administration will not hesitate to terminate any non- performing contracts.

‘Our people expect so much from the administration and we would not allow slack in the implementation process.

‘I task the officials of the ministry of Works to strengthen their monitoring of ongoing projects.

‘The public should be regularly updated on the state of each project. Project implementation reports should henceforth be issued on a monthly basis’, he said.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has begun tree-planting campaign in Ondo State, as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability across Niger Delta.

The initiative, aimed at ensuring a greener environment, had earlier been launched in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development Options (FOSDO), an environmental solutions non-governmental organisation.

This development comes amid reports of several coastal communities, particularly in southern Nigeria, being devastated by gully erosion.

Speaking yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop and tree-planting event held in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the theme: ‘Reawakening the Practice of Tree Planting’, the Acting State Director of NDDC, Dr. Asonye Victor-Ngozi, said the initiative became necessary in view of the severe ecological impact of erosion across Niger Delta communities.

He noted that the campaign underscored the commission’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, describing the exercise as a practical demonstration of NDDC’s dedication to safeguard the environment.

‘Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide emissions, mitigating greenhouse effects, improving air and water quality, and sustaining biodiversity,’ he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FOSDO, Dr. Anthony Chovwen, lauded NDDC for funding and supporting tree-planting campaigns across the nine Niger Delta states.

Represented by Ms. Abigail Bokoyeibo, the FOSDO Ondo State programme director, Chovwen said the region was not immune to the effects of climate change, adding that the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability.

‘Through this collaboration, we have conducted sensitisation programmes and environmental education projects, reaching more than 1,000 young people in secondary and primary schools across Niger Delta,’ she said.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Menakai Kekwaru, an environmental zoologist from the University of Port Harcourt, highlighted the growing threat of climate change caused by human activities that increased carbon emissions and heated the planet.

Dr. Michael Rotimi Olujugba, a lecturer at Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, emphasised the vital role of trees in sustaining life and reducing noise pollution.

He urged all tiers of government to implement policies promoting afforestation, noting that ‘anyone who cuts down a tree should be mandated to plant three new ones.’

The event featured practical tree-planting sessions involving students from participating schools, including Community Primary School, Kofawa; Caring Heart Mega School; Ilaje High School and Community Grammar School, Igbokoda.

The Federal Government’s port modernization is all inclusive, Minister Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola said yesterday.

According to him, the policy is not limited only to Apapa and TinCan ports in Lagos but captures ports and Deep Seaports across all regions of the country.

He debunked insinuations by former Anmabra State Governor Peter Obi that the projects were one-sided.

The Ministry, according to a statement, said Oyetola ‘ has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.

In addition to these ongoing interventions, the Minister said, ‘the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the nation’s maritime capacity. These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and a deep seaport in Cross River State. Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.

Furthermore, ‘the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) – an agency under the Ministry – stands as a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos. These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.

‘The Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive. The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Oyetola said, ‘wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading. The Federal Government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

The Ministry, he said, ‘ remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance, and assures Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy.’

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has issued a seven-day ultimatum to former Deputy Governor Godwins Omobayo to return government property and assets in his possession.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, said his administration observed that several official items, including vehicles, documents and other state-owned assets assigned to Omobayo were yet to be surrendered to the appropriate authorities, despite multiple formal reminders.

The statement said assets acquired or utilised in the course of public service remained the property of the state and must be returned upon cessation of office.

It said the continued retention of such property by any individual constituted a breach of public trust and an unlawful possession of state assets.

The statement added: ‘Failure to comply within the stipulated period will compel the government to direct the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, to effect his arrest and ensure immediate recovery of all state assets still in his possession through lawful means.

‘Edo State Government remains committed to accountability, due process and protection of public property.

‘No individual, regardless of former position or political affiliation, will be permitted to unlawfully appropriate or retain assets belonging to the people of Edo State.

‘The government urges Mr. Omobayo to respect this directive and avoid actions that can invite consequences or further embarrassment.’

Responding, Omobayo said the matter was before a competent court.

He said he received all entitlements, including his November salary.

Rivers United have received a major boost ahead of the CAF Champions League group stage as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo has been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for use as the only pitch with the facilities to host CAF games.

The approval comes after CAF’s latest round of stadium inspections aimed at ensuring facilities across Africa meet international standards for safety, broadcast quality, and infrastructure.

This development means Rivers United will host their home fixtures in Uyo after their traditional ground, the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, was declared unfit to stage CAF matches.

The Uyo arena-widely regarded as one of the finest in Africa-has consistently met CAF’s evolving requirements and has hosted several high-profile international and continental fixtures in recent years.

According to CAF’s updated list of approved venues, Morocco tops the continent with 12 approved stadiums, followed by South Africa (10), Algeria (7), Ivory Coast (6), and Egypt (5). Tunisia, despite its football pedigree, has only one approved venue, while several countries-including Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Zimbabwe-currently have none.

CAF officials are expected to continue inspections across the continent, with more venues to be added once they meet the confederation’s strict compliance standards.

The inclusion of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium highlights Akwa Ibom State’s consistent investment in world-class sports infrastructure and stands as a boost to Nigerian football’s continental image.