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The National Assembly has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow $2.35 billion to finance part of the 2025 budget deficit.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives approved the loan request on Wednesday after considering the report of the committees on local and foreign debts.

They also approved the president’s request to issue a $500 million debut sovereign sukuk in the international capital market (ICM) to fund infrastructure projects and diversify Nigeria’s financing sources.

President Tinubu had, in a letter earlier this month, asked the lawmakers to approve the borrowing request, which, he said was necessary to give effect to the borrowing provisions in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

He said that the 2025 budget provided for N9.28 trillion in new borrowings to bridge the fiscal deficit, out of which N1.84 trillion (equivalent to $1.229 billion) was earmarked as new external borrowing.

Tinubu also sought lawmakers’ approval to refinance the $1.118 billion Eurobond issued in 2018, which he said will mature on November 21, 2025.

He said the move was necessary to ‘avoid default’ and is in line with international best practices in debt capital markets.

He said the aggregate external capital to be raised comprising $1.229 billion for new borrowing and $1.118 billion for refinancing amounts to $2.347 billion.

Tanzania’s general election has been overshadowed by widespread unrest, internet shutdowns, and a heavy security crackdown, raising serious concerns about the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.

With over 37 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday, the atmosphere across the country was anything but calm.

The incumbent, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, is seeking her first full term in office after assuming power in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli.

Running under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Suluhu faces 16 other candidates.

However, the absence of key opposition figures, either barred, disqualified, or facing legal battles, has cast a long shadow over the legitimacy of the contest

Internet blackout and suppressed opposition

In the early hours of election day, Tanzanians woke up to a nationwide internet shutdown.

According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, the blackout disrupted access to major platforms and communication tools, effectively silencing online mobilisation and independent reporting. The move, widely condemned by civil society groups and international observers, came amid mounting protests across the country.

The demonstrations, driven largely by youth and civil society activists, were sparked by allegations of political intimidation, suppression of free speech, and worsening economic conditions.

Protesters also decried the exclusion of major opposition parties from the ballot. Tundu Lissu, the most prominent challenger and leader of the CHADEMA party, is currently on trial for treason.

His party was barred from participating in the polls. Another opposition figure, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on technical grounds.

In many parts of the country, polling stations were reportedly raided and ballots destroyed.

In Dar es Salaam, a police station along Nelson Mandela Road was set ablaze by demonstrators. Despite these disruptions, voting continued in some areas, albeit with low turnout. President Suluhu cast her vote in Dodoma, while her running mate, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel John Nchimbi, also participated in the exercise.

Curfews, crackdowns

As tensions escalated, Tanzanian authorities imposed a nationwide curfew beginning at 6 pm East African Time. Police Chief Camillus Wambura announced the measure on national broadcaster TBC, warning that military and police personnel would patrol the streets of Dar es Salaam and other hotspots.

The curfew followed earlier statements by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila, who vowed that the government would respond with overwhelming force to any attempts to disrupt public order.

‘Even if you see propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam Region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied planning it,’ Chalamila warned.

Police in the Kimara Kibo area of Dar es Salaam dispersed groups of youths attempting to march, while patrol vehicles were seen along major highways.

The protests, largely organised through online platforms before the blackout, have spread from Kimara to Magomeni and other parts of the city.

In another development, the US Embassy in Tanzania issued a security alert, advising American citizens to avoid crowded areas and remain indoors.

Embassy staff were instructed to shelter in place as security forces responded to the unrest. The embassy emphasised the need for caution amid reports of demonstrations in multiple locations.

A one-sided election

Critics argue that the election has been reduced to a symbolic exercise, with President Suluhu effectively running unopposed. With CHADEMA barred, ACT-Wazalendo disqualified, and other opposition figures either jailed or missing, many Tanzanians feel disenfranchised. ‘It’s either you vote for Samia Hassan or you don’t vote at all,’ one activist lamented.

While voting proceeded relatively calmly in Zanzibar, access for foreign media on the mainland has been heavily restricted. Observers have raised alarms over the shrinking political space and the erosion of democratic norms in what was once considered one of East Africa’s more stable democracies.

As the polls close and counting begins, the question remains not just who will win, but at what cost. The events of October 29 have left a deep scar on Tanzania’s democratic fabric, and the days ahead will test the resilience of its institutions and the will of its people.

Whether the government can restore calm and legitimacy or whether the unrest will deepen remains to be seen. For now, Tanzania waits, tense, angry and uncertain.

The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nominations of the new service chiefs forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for legislative approval.

During their screening, the newly appointed military chiefs pledged to work collaboratively to address all forms of security threats across the country and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

In a letter read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the Senate to confirm the nominees he appointed last Friday to replace the outgoing service chiefs.

Under the new appointments, General Olufemi Oluyede becomes the Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding General Christopher Musa. Major-General Waidi Shuaibu was appointed Chief of Army Staff; Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke becomes the Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas assumes office as the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

The service chiefs assured lawmakers of their commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence gathering, and boosting the morale of troops to effectively counter terrorism, banditry, oil theft, and other national security challenges.

We need local arms production – Defence chief

Addressing lawmakers, the defence chief, Oluyede, called for the establishment of a local military-industrial complex to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on costly foreign arms imports.

‘We can’t keep buying equipment from outside; it’s extremely expensive. Nigeria must develop its capacity to produce the tools needed to prosecute wars and tackle insecurity,’ Oluyede said.

He described the role of a service chief as ‘challenging and all-consuming.’

Oluyede also advocated for the restructuring of the Police Force, noting that the military often performs duties that should ordinarily be handled by the police.

He further urged Nigerians to contribute actively to national security, warning about emerging threats such as cyber warfare and misinformation.

We’ll fight smartly, offensively – Air chief

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke, pledged to fight ‘smartly, professionally, aggressively, and offensively’ to defeat terrorism.

Responding to concerns about the whereabouts of the Super Tucano aircraft procured from the U.S. in 2021, Aneke confirmed that all aircraft were operational and deployed in the North-East and North-West.

‘We have men and women risking their lives every night. These assets are giving value for money,’ he said, adding that even a single missile costs tens of thousands of dollars.

‘Every decision I make will be guided by the singular purpose of safeguarding our nation and preserving peace,’ he said.

We’ll use modern technology to tackle maritime crime – Naval chief

The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Navy would deploy modern technology, including drones, to strengthen maritime surveillance and combat piracy, oil theft, and kidnapping.

‘Some patrols waste resources due to terrain challenges. Drones will make our monitoring more effective,’ he told lawmakers.

On the deradicalisation of repentant terrorists, he expressed support for the initiative but urged sensitivity toward victims’ families.

We’ll strengthen intelligence, manpower – Army chief

The Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Waidi Shuaibu, said the Army would focus on improving intelligence gathering and personnel capacity to combat insecurity.

Senator Isa Jibrin (Kogi East) urged him to work closely with the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure better coordination in security operations.

Speaking after the closed-door session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate had thoroughly grilled the nominees before confirming them.

‘They have answered all questions during the interactions. Let me also thank the President for the selection of the nominees who have now been approved and confirmed by this chamber.

‘On the whole, we believe this will renew the hope of Nigerians regarding the restoration of security to our nation,’ he added.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc yesterday released its Unaudited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements as of September 30, 2025, recording profit before tax of N900.8billion on the back of strong performance on the core earnings lines of interest income and fee income which grew y-o-y by 25.6% and 16.8% respectively.

In the disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE), the group’s strong core-earning performance continued to narrow the y-o-y dip in PBT to 26%, thereby cushioning the impact of the N523.2bn fair value gains recognised in Q3-2024, which did not recur in Q3-2025.

The Group recorded growths across all its Asset lines and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy liquid and diversified balance sheet in all the jurisdictions wherein it operates a Banking franchise, as well as across its Payments, Pension and Funds Management business verticals.

Group’s total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at N16.7trillion and N3.3trillion, respectively.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 36.5%, likewise asset quality improved as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.3% and 4.4% % at Bank and Group level in Q3-2025 (Bank 3.5%, Group 5.2% in December 2024). Cost of Risk (COR) also improved to 2.2% from 4.9% in December 2024.

In specific terms, the Group’s loan book (net) grew by 16.5% from N2.79trillion as of December 2024 to N3.24trillion in September 2025.

Similarly, deposit liabilities grew by 16.0% from N10.40trillion to N12.06trillion during the same period.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, Segun Agbaje, said: ‘Our third quarter performance underscores the consistency and resilience of our business model, as well as the continued strength of our diversified financial services ecosystem.

‘We are seeing steady, sustainable growth across our banking and non-banking businesses, supported by disciplined execution and a strong focus on operational efficiency. The improvements we have made to our digital and payments infrastructure are enhancing customer experience, deepening engagement, and driving greater integration across our ecosystem.’

He further stated: ‘Looking ahead, our focus remains on advancing our competitive edge through innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to superior customer outcomes. With a clear growth trajectory and strong organizational alignment, we are well-positioned to sustain performance momentum and deliver another year of industry-leading results.’

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services Industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 39.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 7.6%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 36.5% and Cost to Income ratio of 28.8%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom.

The All Babies programme, implemented by New Incentives – All Babies Are Equal (NI-ABAE), said it has improved vaccine cold-chain coordination across northern Nigeria after disbursing over N32 billion in conditional cash transfers to caregivers and enrolling more than 5.6 million infants across 204 local government areas.

This renewed commitment came during a two-day Cold Chain Stakeholders’ Roundtable Meeting held in Kano.

The session brought together 35 participants, including representatives from zonal and state cold-chain offices, the Kano State Primary Health Care Board, NI-ABAE officials and development partners from 14 northern states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

Opened by the Director of Stakeholder Relations, Nura Muhammad, and moderated by the Senior State Partnerships Manager, Abdulwahab Yusuf, the roundtable marked the sixth in-person session since 2023. Monthly virtual meetings have meanwhile sustained coordination across participating states.

Presenting the third-quarter 2025 Impact Report, Monitoring and Learning Officer II, Nana Ize, said the programme had made ‘steady progress in reducing zero-dose infants.’

Katsina and Zamfara states recorded the largest gains, each with a 40-percentage-point drop, while Kaduna achieved a 15-point reduction since rollout.

According to her, the programme now supports immunisation in 7,128 clinics and 60,000 settlements across the North, facilitating more than 85 million vaccinations since inception.

Abdulwahab Yusuf presented a comparative analysis of 2024-2025 vaccine-stock trends, citing national shortages of Rota vaccines, redistribution delays and incomplete data updates on OpenLMIS, Nigeria’s digital vaccine-tracking platform.

Stakeholders resolved to strengthen real-time data visibility, ensure timely OpenLMIS updates and enhance coordination between state and local government cold-chain units to minimise shortages before the end of Q4 2025.

The Bauchi State Civil Service Commission (CSC) has dismissed a Higher Executive Officer, Adamu A Mohammed, for gross misconduct.

The dismissal was considered during the Commission’s 40th plenary session held on Wednesday in Bauchi, saying that Mohammed was found guilty of absenting himself from his duty post without leave permit for more than a year and the refusal to accept posting which contravene both misconduct and serious misconduct of the Bauchi State Public Service Rules and Regulations 0327 (a) and (v) as well as 0312 (xiii).

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Commission, Saleh Umar, the Commission also demoted Isa Sani, a Principal Confidential Secretary, on grade level 12 to grade level 10, for absenting himself under the pretence of being indisposed for more than six months.

He was also asked to refund the salary collected for the period of his absence. His actions, according to the Commission, contradict section 0327 (a) and (v), 0312 (v) of the Public Service Rules.

Meanwhile, the Commission, during the sitting, formalised the promotion of 23 substantive Directors on grade level 16.

Also formalised were the transfer of service of Sa’idu Muhammad, Education Officer 1, to Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Science as Lecturer on grade levels 15 and Rashida Adamu Bulkachuwa, Principal Executive Officer 1, grade levels 12 to Special School Management Board as Principal Assistant Education Officer 1 on identical grade, as approved by the state governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed CON.

A former governor of Bayelsa State and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, yesterday confirmed that military operatives raided his Abuja residence.

Sylva, in a statement by his media aide, Julius Bokoru, also denied involvement in any attempt to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

It was gathered that soldiers had, on Sunday, raided Sylva’s Abuja and Bayelsa residences and arrested his brother.

The managing director of a federal agency located in the South-South was also said to have been arrested and interrogated by security agencies for allegedly transferring funds to Sylva for the purported coup financing.

Penultimate weekend, there were reports that 16 army officers were arrested and detained over an alleged coup attempt which was rumoured to have forced the president to cancel the October 1 Independence Day Anniversary parade.

But the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed the report as false and malicious, claiming the cancellation of the parade had nothing to do with any alleged coup attempt.

The DHQ had also clarified that the arrest and ongoing investigation of the officers reported in the media was a purely internal process aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the ranks, not a politically motivated action.

This is even as Daily Trust learnt yesterday that the number of army officers detained over the alleged coup plot had grown to 42.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, on Friday, made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in what the Presidency explained was part of efforts to strengthen the national security architecture.

Major-General Olufemi Oluyede replaced General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff, while Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke was appointed Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas became Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye, was retained.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that a former governor from one of the southern states was being investigated for alleged links with the detained army officers.

Sources had told this medium there was suspicion that the former governor financed the alleged plot, which was reportedly scheduled for October 25.

Sylva’s media aide, while responding to reports linking his principal to the rumoured coup, stated yesterday that some politicians were taking their desperation to a sickening level following his ‘intimidating political presence and credibility’.

He described the former governor as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat, who had shown unwavering support to Tinubu and his administration.

He recalled that Sylva recently mobilised the entire structures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa expanded stakeholders’ meeting.

Bokoru said the security operatives that raided Sylva’s house did not provide any reason for their action.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife were already out of the country at the time of the raid.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

Bokoru said: ‘In the past forty-eight hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has ‘fled’ the country in connection with certain purported matters.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

‘Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

‘It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

‘As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

‘The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

‘While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever, either in planning or in logistics with any such plot.

‘Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.

‘His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

‘These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle-a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions,’ he said.

Daily Trust yesterday sought to know from the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, why Sylva’s home was raided, but calls to his mobile telephone line were declined. Gusau did not reply to text and WhatsApp messages sent to him either.

‘Detained military officers now 42’

Sources at the Defence Headquarters, who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, revealed that more officers had been detained in connection to the alleged coup attempt, bringing the number of the detainees to 42,

‘So far, 42 officers have been picked up. They are being interrogated to establish the depth of involvement and whether there was any concrete plan beyond mere discussions,’ one of the sources said.

Another source stated that the number could rise as the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the military police continued to trace communication links and funding trails.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to the President, Sunday Dare, while appearing TVC yesterday, said the Presidency aligned with the position of the military authority on the rumoured coup attempt.

He noted that the Armed Forces remain the constitutionally empowered institution to secure Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity, adding that the Tinubu administration has confidence in their loyalty.

‘We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.

‘So, when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there.

‘Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative,’ Dare said.

‘Why FG may not confirm coup plot attempt’

In an interview with one of our correspondents, a security expert and retired military officer, Bashir Galma, said the government might not confirm the alleged coup plot in order not to scare investors away.

He said, ‘In Nigeria, we always claim that we are progressives, we have a way of doing things, if you remember, there is something they call FOI.

‘This is the time we are going to ask ourselves questions. Is that FOI working at all? Secondly, I am not going to blame the government if they deny that there is something like that for so many reasons.

‘This is a country that is looking for investors to come. This is a country where tension has not really eased due to the condition of living of the general populace.

‘However, it is not good for a country like Nigeria. If something like this happens, let them not just deny it vehemently like this. To come out and deny, and the truth comes at the end of the day, then it means in the future, if the government says something serious, doubts will be in the minds of people.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Friday know whether it can proceed with its planned national convention slated for November 15 and 16, as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers judgment in a suit seeking to halt the exercise.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after hearing final arguments in the case filed by three PDP officials: Austine Nwachukwu, Imo State chairman; Amah Abraham Nnanna, Abia State chairman; and Turnah George, the party’s South-South secretary.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the PDP, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).

The plaintiffs, believed to be allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, a vocal critic of the convention, are asking the court to stop the event, arguing that the party failed to comply with its own constitution, the 1999 Constitution, and the Electoral Act in the build-up to the convention.

Their lawyer told the court that ‘no congress was conducted in 14 states,’ insisting that the issue before the court is whether the defendants violated the law and that it cannot be dismissed as an internal party matter.

The PDP, however, maintained that the suit concerns its internal affairs and therefore falls outside the jurisdiction of the court. The party said the claimants were attempting to destabilise preparations for a legitimate leadership transition process.

The case is seen as a major test of unity within the opposition party, which has been struggling to reconcile warring factions ahead of 2027.

Daily Trust reports that the convention controversy is compounded by other internal and legal challenges.

The party’s embattled National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, also an ally of Wike, recently petitioned security agencies, alleging that his signature was forged on documents sent to INEC notifying it of the convention. The PDP’s NWC and Board of Trustees (BoT) have dismissed the allegation as baseless.

In a separate case, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido has approached the court to challenge his alleged disqualification from purchasing the chairmanship nomination form, a move he described as an attempt to exclude genuine contestants.

Meanwhile, the National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC) has indefinitely postponed the screening of aspirants initially scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, a development many observers believe is linked to the party’s decision to await Friday’s court judgment before proceeding with further preparations.

The 2025 Kaduna international polo tournament that celebrated the 30th year anniversary of Georgian Cup kings, EL-Amin and the rich heritage of Nigerian polo came to a flourishing climax on Sunday, with EL-Amin, Kangimi Resort, Kano Pop-cola and the Nigerian Army teams emerging major champions.

Georgian Cup kings, EL-Amin took their Nigerian high-goal polo dominance to a news height, handing their city rivals, Kaduna Makarfi a thumping defeat to clinch their 16th Georgian Cup title, while Kangimi Resort team edged two opponents to win their first Emir of Katsina Cup.

Visiting Kano Pop- Cola team ran an impressive campaign defeating a crowded field of eight ambitious oppositions to cart home the Imani Cup, their first major Kaduna polo laurel, just as the Nigerian Army polo team rampage through a battery of 20 turbo charged rivals, to retain the EL- Amin Cup.

Revered as the biggest polo fiesta in the north, the prestigious polo extravaganza noted for its rivalry, Competition and exceptional atmosphere, was also highlighted by the debuting Clear Water Youth Challenge Cup series that threw up promising youngsters whose display of skills throughout the event was highly applauded.

Polo Royals also noted that at the end of the international decided over eight days top class matches at the jammed -packed Murtala Square, four youngsters, Nabil Ibrahim Abba, Malik Ibrahim, Nasif Abba and Abba Abdukadri emerge champions of the Clear Water to prize.

Other top winners include the duo of Khalil Babangida and Marwan Bago who led their team to clinch the inaugural BUA Cup, while Kashim Buka and Abubakar Atiku Saleh also enjoyed Podium celebration after powering their team to victory in the General Hassan Katsina Cup.

Elated Kaduna Polo Club President and patron of the all-conquering EL-Amin team who thanked all the participating teams, sponsors and dignitaries for making the 2025 Kaduna polo festival such an exciting and memorable event, lauded all the winners of the event.

‘We want to thank the Almighty for his grace and our teeming supporters who always urge us on to victories particularly this year to win back the Georgian Cup for the 16th time which is the longest winning run by any team in the history of the Georgian Cup series’ Babangida added in a chat with the media during the closing ceremony in Kaduna on Sunday.

E-commerce in Africa continues to grow, with the market projected to reach over $40 billion in revenue by 2025, Jumia Nigeria has said.

Jumia in a report released on Wednesday said mobile-first consumers are driving this growth, supported by improved logistics, fintech solutions, and trust in digital platforms.

‘These trends reinforce Jumia’s role in shaping Africa’s e-commerce landscape’, the report said.

Meanwhile, Jumia Nigeria said it has kicked off its Black Friday campaign tagged ‘Do Pass Yourself,’ running from October 31 to November 30.

In a statement on Wednesday, Jumia said the month-long event promises special discounts, exclusive brand deals, and an immersive shopping experience across fashion, beauty, electronics, home, and more.

‘This year’s festival will feature top international and local brands including Nivea, Xiaomi, Itel, Skyrun, Silvercrest, AEON, Poco, Oraimo, Binatone, Ecoflow, Hithium, Diageo, Ledrop, among others. Shoppers can expect flash sales, games, treasure hunts and more’, the statement said.

First introduced to Africa in 2014, Jumia was one of the pioneers to bring the Black Friday concept to the continent, helping to establish November as the most exciting month for digital retail across the continent.

‘Black Friday is more than just a sale, it’s a celebration of the African consumer. Over the past thirteen years, we’ve built an ecosystem that gives shoppers access to trusted brands at unbeatable prices, supported by reliable delivery and secure payments. This year, we’re raising the bar again, offering our customers even more value and convenience throughout the month. We have built this shopping festival entirely around our customers’ needs,’ Temidayo Ojo, CEO, said.