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In a new escalation of the U.S.-China trade war, President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration will impose a 100 per cent tariff on goods imported from China, in response to Beijing’s recently expanded export controls on critical rare-earth metals.

The announcement, delivered via a Truth Social post, stated the additional tariffs would take effect on November 1 or possibly sooner, ‘depending on any further actions or changes taken by China.’ This hike would come on top of the existing 30 per cent tariffs already in place.

Trump called China’s new export restrictions ‘extraordinarily aggressive’ and ‘extremely hostile,’ saying, ‘It is absolutely unheard of in international trade, and a moral disgrace in dealing with other nations.’ He also warned that the U.S. will impose export controls on all critical software, further tightening restrictions on technology flows.

China, via its Ministry of Commerce, defended its move, asserting the export controls were necessary to safeguard national security and strategic interests.

The decision marks a sharp turn in trade diplomacy, and it raises questions about the broader implications for global supply chains, technology markets, and the planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, says his team remains strong and focused despite the suspension of star winger Ademola Lookman for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic in Uyo.

Lookman, who played a key role in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, will miss the encounter after receiving a yellow card in the 64th minute, his second of the qualifying campaign, which triggered an automatic one-match suspension under CAF regulations.

Chelle, however, dismissed concerns about the Atalanta forward’s absence, insisting the Super Eagles have enough quality and depth to cope without him.

‘The team remains focused and confident heading into the encounter,’ Chelle said after the win over Lesotho.

‘We have enough depth to compete effectively despite this setback. While Lookman’s suspension is unfortunate, the squad possesses the character and determination to secure victory.’

The Malian tactician added that his players must stay mentally sharp and take full control of their qualification destiny when they face Group C leaders Benin Republic.

‘Our focus is on making the most of the players available and ensuring a strong performance against Benin,’ Chelle continued.

‘Every player must be mentally prepared to contribute, whether as a starter or from the bench.’

He also noted that Lookman will still play a vital role from the sidelines, offering encouragement and support to his teammates as Nigeria chase a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 14 points, trailing South Africa and Benin Republic.

A win over the Cheetahs in Uyo, coupled with South Africa failing to beat Rwanda, would see the Super Eagles leapfrog to the top of the table and secure automatic qualification.

Bluebulb, a UK-regulated fintech firm, has officially launched its operations in Nigeria as part of its mission to help African businesses move, manage, and access money globally through trusted and compliant digital infrastructure.

The company stated that it is entering the Nigerian market to enable corporations and businesses access to multiple remittance and treasury management options that simplify international transactions.

Ola Daramola, CEO and Co-founder of Bluebulb, said the move was inspired by his personal experience navigating payment and remittance challenges faced by African businesses.

‘Africa’s challenge was never ambition – it was the absence of trusted rails to move value with compliance and speed. That’s why we built Bluebulb,’ Daramola said.

Daramola noted that his firsthand experience with the complexities of cross-border finance inspired the creation of Bluebulb to close the gap for African enterprises. Since its inception, the fintech has supported more than 2,000 business customers across 35 countries, facilitating transactions for over 800 African corporations in 2024 alone, according to company data.

Seun Oladimeji, Bluebulb’s director of business growth, emphasised the company’s mission to modernise how African businesses participate in global trade.

‘The global market moves over $190 trillion annually across borders (Statista 2024), yet African businesses remain constrained by outdated systems. Bluebulb is changing that,’ Oladimeji said.

As part of its Nigerian debut, Bluebulb also announced the rollout of an AI-powered self-service treasury dashboard, designed to give Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and treasury teams real-time visibility into their financial operations.

The platform integrates automated compliance checks and predictive analytics to help businesses manage liquidity and international payments with greater confidence.

What began as a homegrown innovation platform in 2022 has now evolved into a globally recognised event that mirrors the standards of top-tier conferences like CES, Web Summit, and TechCrunch Disrupt.

TechQuest International Conference 2025, powered by Tixafest Solutions wasn’t just another tech gathering. It was a powerful reminder that Africa’s innovators are no longer waiting for validation; they are creating global standards.

The conference celebrated excellence, creativity, and collaboration, solidifying TechQuest’s position as one of the continent’s leading platforms for technological advancement.

‘TechQuest 2025 reaffirmed Africa’s place on the global innovation map.’ From the main stage presentations to the breakout hackathon sessions, the atmosphere was charged with the energy of young developers, visionary entrepreneurs, and seasoned industry leaders united by one goal: to shape Africa’s digital future.

Since its inception in 2022, TechQuest Events has transformed from a modest conference into a pan-African hub for creativity and collaboration. The platform was conceived by Tixafest Solutions, a dynamic software development company committed not only to delivering high-quality digital products but also to building communities around technology and innovation.

Through its annual conferences, hackathons, and awards, TechQuest has consistently provided a space for visionaries to meet, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions to some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. What sets it apart is its focus on bridging local innovation with global exposure, empowering both startups and established organisations to compete at international levels.

This year’s edition pushed the boundaries even further. With a hybrid participation model, TechQuest 2025 attracted attendees from across Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America. Whether physically present in Lagos or connecting virtually from Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, or London, participants experienced a seamless, world-class conference that celebrated Africa’s growing digital ecosystem.

The 2025 conference was a three-fold experience: the TechQuest Awards, the TechQuest Hackathon, and a series of innovation showcases and keynote sessions. Each segment reflected the event’s dedication to excellence and its mission to position Africa as a key player in the global innovation economy.

The TechQuest Awards

The highlight of the evening was the TechQuest Awards, a ceremony honouring individuals and organisations driving transformative change in technology, entrepreneurship, and social impact. From software engineers pioneering new frameworks to women leading AI research and fintech founders revolutionising payments, this year’s winners represented the best of Africa’s tech ecosystem.

Each award category was meticulously curated to reflect emerging industry trends and align with international recognition standards. Winners were not only celebrated for their achievements but also spotlighted as ambassadors of African innovation to the rest of the world.

The TechQuest Hackathon

Another core pillar of the event was the Hackathon, a live showcase of technical creativity and problem-solving. Over the course of 48 hours, teams of young developers, designers, and data scientists built cutting-edge prototypes addressing real-world challenges in sectors like health, education, and sustainability.

Guided by an esteemed panel of judges drawn from leading tech companies and academia, participants demonstrated skill, resilience, and innovation that left attendees inspired. Many of these projects are expected to evolve into fully-fledged startups in the coming months, underscoring TechQuest’s commitment to nurturing homegrown solutions.

Hybrid Global Participation

In a testament to its growing influence, TechQuest 2025 was designed as a hybrid event, combining physical and virtual experiences. This model made it possible for international audiences to join sessions, engage in panel discussions, and network with African innovators in real time.

The global accessibility didn’t just broaden participation, it amplified TechQuest’s message: Africa is open for collaboration.

‘From Lagos to Nairobi, innovators are proving that the future is being built right here in Africa.’

The 2025 awardees were not only recognised for their groundbreaking innovations but also for their consistency, leadership, and impact on Africa’s digital transformation journey.

These winners, drawn from across the continent, embodied the spirit of resilience and forward thinking that defines the African tech community.

Their stories resonated with attendees, young coders saw themselves in the innovators being celebrated, and investors found fresh confidence in Africa’s growing potential. From pioneering AI applications in agriculture to designing blockchain systems for transparent governance, each recipient stood as proof that innovation is thriving across the continent.

In his closing remarks, a representative of Tixafest Solutions noted that the awards were more than just recognition, they were a call to action for the next generation.

The goal, he said, is to ensure that Africa not only consumes technology but also shapes its evolution.

TechQuest’s international significance lies in its structure and vision. It mirrors global conferences that combine networking, thought leadership, and recognition in a single experience.

However, what sets TechQuest apart is its African soul, the celebration of ingenuity born from necessity, creativity shaped by culture, and solutions tailored for real challenges on the continent.

Through the years, TechQuest has continued to position Africa as a central player in the global innovation economy.

By providing exposure, mentorship, and access to funding opportunities, it has become a springboard for startups and individuals looking to make a mark beyond their borders.

In many ways, TechQuest is doing for Africa what platforms like Web Summit did for Europe and TechCrunch Disrupt did for Silicon Valley: creating visibility, attracting investment, and fostering collaboration.

One of the strongest legacies of the TechQuest movement is its influence on young innovators. The annual hackathon, mentorship sessions, and award recognitions inspire thousands of students, developers, and entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas with confidence.

By bringing together professionals across industries, from finance to healthcare, education to entertainment, TechQuest continues to demonstrate that innovation thrives where ideas intersect. It has also become a model for how African tech events can operate with global precision while retaining local relevance.

As the curtain closed on TechQuest 2025, anticipation began building for next year’s edition. The organisers officially opened the call for nominations for the TechQuest Awards 2026, slated for August 2026. Startups, innovators, organisations, and individuals are invited to submit entries that showcase excellence, impact, and creativity in technology.

The 2026 edition promises to expand its reach, with new categories that reflect emerging trends like green tech, AI ethics, and social innovation. It’s another opportunity for Africa’s brightest minds to gain international recognition and contribute to shaping the continent’s future.

TechQuest’s mission has always been clear: to bridge innovation with community impact and ensure that technology serves people, not just markets. As Tixafest Solutions continues to lead this initiative, the message is stronger than ever, Africa is not behind; Africa is becoming the benchmark.

By sustaining partnerships, celebrating excellence, and driving collaboration, TechQuest is redefining what it means to build technology in Africa.

And as 2025’s edition reminded the world, the continent’s innovators aren’t waiting for the future, they’re building it, one idea at a time.

Abdullahi Danwanka, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State has described the clashes between farmers and herders as an age-old conflict that dates back to the origin of humanity.

He stated this during a press briefing at the Bauchi state police command headquarters.

Danwanka, who is the incharge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) noted that crop farming and rearing of animals are significant sources of income for many people, and while the clashes cannot be eliminated completely, they can be managed.

He emphasised that the police will use their initiatives and tactics to calming down the situation and maintain peace in the state.

According to him, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, the police commissioner, and other security agencies have made significant efforts to maintain peace in Bauchi State. Danwanka commended Governor Bala Mohammed for the successful economic and investment summit, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Center, which he observed will attract local and international investors to the state.

He stated that the police will continue to intervene and manage the situation to ensure peace and stability in Bauchi State.

Danwanka urged residents to support the security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and secure the state.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced the reopening of its student verification portal for a final 48-hour period to allow tertiary institutions that have yet to complete their student verification exercise to do so.

According to a statement signed by Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director, Strategic Communications, NELFUND, the portal will be accessible from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025, to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

NELFUND explained that the extension is aimed at ensuring that all eligible students are duly captured and verified by their respective institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 loan application process.

The Fund urged all institutions to take advantage of this final opportunity, warning that failure to complete the exercise within the stipulated period would lead to forfeiture of participation in the current loan cycle, a situation that would ultimately deny their students access to the education loan scheme.

‘This extension is intended to ensure that all eligible students are duly captured and verified by their respective institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 NELFUND loan application process.

‘Institutions are strongly advised to make full use of this final opportunity. Failure to complete the verification process within the stipulated period will result in the affected institutions forfeiting participation in the current loan cycle, a situation that will, regrettably, disadvantage their students who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the loan scheme.

‘In the interest of transparency and accountability, the list of defaulting institutions will be published alongside this press release.,’ the statement reads

Reaffirming its commitment to equitable access to higher education, the Fund emphasised that it remains dedicated to ensuring efficient, transparent, and inclusive management of the Nigerian Education Loan Scheme to support students across the country.

Amidst growing concerns over Governors leaving the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has assured that better materials will emerge to replace those defecting from the party

Mohammed, who is also the Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, stated this on Saturday in Abuja, while speaking on the party’s preparations for the November 15 and 16 elective convention in Ibadan, Oyo State

Mohammed noted that the party is deeply concerned at the rate at which Governors elected on the party’s platform are leaving to join the APC.

Also speaking on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Mohammed said the Governor is still with the PDP

‘ He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in. Certainly, he is still in PDP, and to me, he is still my deputy.’

Mohammed who also spoke on former President Goodluck Jonathan’s plans ahead of the 2027 election, assured that such ‘ big politicians’ are welcome, adding that ‘People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy’

This came ahead of the planned movement into the ruling party on Tuesday by Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, just few months after the Governors of Akwa Ibom and Delta States abandoned the party to join the ruling party

‘If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes.

‘This defection would have been more devastating at the onset, but we have been talking and discussing.

Mohammed who is also the head of the Publicity sub committee for the convention, blamed the development on ‘ the leadership style of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything.

‘I cannot say that my colleagues are wrong; they are free to do whatever they choose. But I have been advising them that even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. ‘Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. I will not denigrate or speak negatively about my colleagues, but I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division.

‘Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP, and the issue is PDP because Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP. Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes.

He however assured that the party will continue to deliver, if members stand firm .

‘Nobody stops you from leaving, so that you can create another space for others to come around for governance.

‘ Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027.

*I am optimistic that we will get a new set of leaders in 2027 who will defeat the deceptive style of the APC by coming up with true leaders who will listen to Nigerians and address their challenges by the grace of God.

‘If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please don’t blame anybody at the governor’s level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control’

He assured that the party is addressing the issues of threats to the party’s convention squarely.

‘ Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. Some don’t even have leadership at the national level. We are the only ones intact-with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary.

He also noted that the PDP remains the only party with stable national leadership despite efforts to destabilise it.

‘ As a big party with a history since 1999, still with the same logo, colors, manifesto, and leadership, we should commend the National Working Committee for doing well despite limitations.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have reached new agreements to strengthen cooperation on migration, criminal justice, and financial crime during the 2025 Nigeria-UK Migration, Justice, and Home Affairs Dialogue (MJHA) held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Details of the meeting were contained in a joint communiqué signed by Asari Allotey for Nigeria and Asim Hafeez for the United Kingdom, and released to journalists on Friday.

The annual dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials from the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UK Home Office, is part of an ongoing partnership aimed at promoting secure borders, fair migration, and the rule of law.

A key highlight of the 2025 Dialogue was the reaffirmation of both nations’ commitment to return individuals without legal status in each other’s territories, under the framework of the 2022 Migration Returns Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

‘Returning those that no longer have a legal right to remain in the UK is a top priority for the UK Government,’ the communiqué quoted the UK delegation as saying.

Both sides agreed to strengthen operational cooperation to ensure that all returns are conducted safely, humanely, and with respect for human rights.

The UK also announced progress in its electronic visa (e-visa) rollout, promising to extend the system across all visa categories by the time of the next MJHA meeting in 2026.

According to the communiqué, the UK has offered to ‘support Nigerian business travellers and simplify visit visa applications,’ as part of broader efforts to promote trade and investment.

Nigeria, in turn, pledged to share updates on its own Nigeria e-visa project, which is being developed to facilitate easier entry for international visitors, investors, and business partners.

On migration management, both countries agreed to fast-track the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Organised Immigration Crime, which will focus on tackling irregular migration and border crimes.

The UK further pledged to expand training programmes for Nigerian immigration officers, particularly in the Organised Immigration Crime Unit, to ‘enable wider coverage and cascading of knowledge for enhanced responsiveness.’

Nigeria and the UK agreed to collaborate on a Strategic Serious Organised Crime Threat Analysis, the first of its kind in West Africa.

Officials described it as ‘a historic agreement that demonstrates the solid commitment between the two countries on combating serious organised crime.’

During the meeting, the UK also formally handed over the Brighter Futures PREVENT programme to Nigeria’s National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

The initiative, designed to steer vulnerable youth away from organised crime and extremism, will now be fully run by Nigerian agencies.

Nigeria pledged to sustain the momentum of the programme and provide updates on implementation at both federal and state levels at the next dialogue in 2026, while also calling for ‘continued UK support beyond March 2026.’

On extradition, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure faster processes and prevent offenders from escaping justice in either jurisdiction.

The communiqué noted that the UK would continue to share information with its courts regarding detention conditions in Nigeria, to maintain transparency in extradition cases.

They also resolved to hold quarterly technical meetings to review progress on extradition and broader criminal justice matters.

Discussions also focused on the Prisoner Transfer Agreement, with Nigeria calling for an update to align the document with current domestic laws, including the Nigerian Correctional Services Act 2019. Both countries committed to clarifying the process, timelines, and conditions governing the transfer and detention of prisoners.

To strengthen border and maritime security, the UK and Nigeria agreed to develop a new Memorandum of Understanding on Human Trafficking, while improving inter-agency cooperation on commodities trafficking, especially across the maritime domain.

The communiqué said both nations recognised ‘the importance of sustaining operational work on illicit commodities,’ with collaboration involving the Nigeria Customs Service, Navy, NDLEA, and UK law enforcement agencies.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to support Nigeria in tackling illicit finance and money laundering, and to help establish a Public-Private Partnership on financial crime to strengthen detection, investigation, and prosecution capacities.

Both countries also vowed to work together on global reforms aimed at reducing illicit financial flows, improving transparency in financial centres, and enhancing the regulation of professionals who enable corruption and kleptocracy.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom are committed to monitoring the implementation of all agreements through ongoing consultations and performance tracking.

A nonprofit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI), has empowered 20 young women from underserved communities in Kwara State through its flagship programme, SheGrows Digital Bootcamp.

The 10-week bootcamp was designed to tackle socio-economic barriers faced by young women by equipping them with business, digital and soft skills relevant to today’s job market.

Supported by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), the programme also aimed to create a sustainable platform for young women to break the cycle of poverty, reduce dependence on external financial aid, and take control of their futures.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the participants, the organisation’s Executive Director, Nafisat Bakare, said the initiative provided participants with structured training sessions, mentorship, and hands-on learning activities to build competencies that would position them for self-employment or integration into the formal workforce. ‘The SheGrows Digital Bootcamp was created to empower girls and young women in underserved communities with digital, business, and life skills that enhance their employability, promote self-reliance, and foster long-term economic empowerment.

‘Over the course of the training, participants received practical instruction in areas such as social media management and advertising, graphic design, and essential life skills.

‘ Through group activities, interactive sessions, and personal assessments, they acquired foundational knowledge that can be directly applied to entrepreneurial or employment opportunities,’ she said.

Bakare added that the initiative would enable the beneficiaries to either secure decent jobs or start and scale their own ventures, thereby accessing economic opportunities, improving their livelihoods, and achieving financial independence.

John Ezeobi, foremost industrialist and business tycoon, is fast becoming one of the most respected young industrialists of Igbo extraction. His story is not only about personal success but also about lessons and inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Here are four reasons young Nigerians should see him as a role model.

Ezeobi’s rise is a true reflection of resilience and vision. Coming from a middle-class family, he founded Zobis in 2006 while still a university student, starting with little savings of just ?1,350.

His first supply netted him ?8,000 in profit, which became the seed for what has now grown into Zobis Cables Nigeria Limited, a household name in the electrical manufacturing industry. From that humble beginning, he quietly built his empire, transmuting from a small-time trader into a formidable industrialist.

He is focused, unlike many of his contemporaries in this ‘Dorime’ generation who chase fame and frivolities, the 41-year-old billionaire lives a simple and disciplined lifestyle. He has consciously shunned distractions, awards, and unnecessary flamboyance, preferring to channel his energy into building sustainable businesses.

Even his memberships of social clubs are strategic, used as platforms for networking and advancing his business interests rather than for leisure. His focus and clarity of purpose remain one of his greatest assets.

He is Courageous. Few people of his age and background would dare to dream at the scale Ezeobi does. From starting as a trader in Onitsha, he took the bold step into full-scale manufacturing. Today, Zobis has offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Aba, a cable factory in Anambra sitting on a large expanse of land and a state-of-the-art corporate headquarters in Abuja.

His moves suggest a man with continental ambitions, determined to solve Africa’s electricity challenges while also diversifying into real estate, oil and gas. For him, true wealth lies in solving problems and adding value.

He is an Investor and an Employer

While many lament Nigeria’s harsh economic climate, Ezeobi continues to expand and invest. Zobis has become not just a success story but also one of Anambra’s biggest job providers. Through his businesses, countless Nigerians have found employment and training opportunities.

For him, empowerment is central to Africa’s development, and he believes strongly that investment in people, especially through jobs and skills, is the only way to transform society.

For these reasons and more, John Ezeobi stands out as a shining example for aspiring entrepreneurs, a living proof that discipline, courage, focus, and resilience can turn small beginnings into global success stories. Ezeobi’s story is indeed a great source of inspiration!