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Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has confirmed that discussions are progressing for a long-awaited showdown between Joshua and Tyson Fury, potentially set for 2026.

Fury, who has not fought in 2025, has signalled his intention to return to the ring next year, news that Hearn says has reignited hopes of finally delivering one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

‘It’s exactly what everybody wanted to hear,’ Hearn told Sky Sports.

‘The thing AJ wants more than anything is to fight Tyson Fury. That is the biggest fight in the sport. I’m hopeful. The only thing that comes close for Joshua is winning the world heavyweight championship again, which remains a huge motivation for him.’

According to Hearn, the proposed Fury fight would likely take place in the summer of 2026, with Joshua expected to have one or two bouts beforehand to stay sharp.

‘The plan’s very important,’ Hearn emphasised. ‘We need to make sure AJ is 110 per cent confident and ready to beat Tyson Fury.

‘That means building the right schedule to ensure he’s in the best possible shape for what I believe will be the biggest moment of his career.’

Hearn suggested any late-2025 fight for Joshua would serve as a tune-up rather than a major challenge. ‘If he fights this year, it’ll be a pure run-out – not a top-15 guy,’ he said.

‘He’s either going to have two fights before Fury, if that deal gets made, or one fight in February. We haven’t fully decided yet, but he’s keen to stay active.’

Members of the Udo Udoma and Belo-Osagie (UUBO) have advocated stakeholder collaboration in implementing the Nigerian Data Protection NDP Act.

They spoke at a Data privacy breakfast held in Lagos recently.

Themed, ‘the GAID in practice: Navigating Nigeria’s New Privacy Directives,’ Managing Partner at UUBO Jumoke Lambo, in her welcome remarks, disclosed the event was organised to provide opportunity for regulators, policymakers, in-house counsel, data protection officers, and industry leaders exchange insights on the implementation of the Nigerian Data Protection (NDP) Act General Application and Implementation Directives (GAID).

Saying the NDP landscape continues to evolve, she added the regulator, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), continues to set the pace as one of the most active data protection authorities across the continent.

In his presentation, Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) described the GAID as operational blueprint for NDP Act, 2023, issued by the Commission on March 20th 2025.

With the aim of providing clarity and practical guidance on implementation of the NDP Act, 2023, he disclosed the Act takes effect from September 19th 2025, replacing the NDPR 2019 as the nation’s principal regulatory guide.

Specifically, Olatunji spoke on Principles of Data Protection; NDP Act Compliance Audit Returns; Data Protection Officer’s Assessment; Data Privacy Impact Assessment; Guidance on Cross-Border Data Transfer; Data Subject Vulnerability Indexes; legitimate Interest Impact Assessment Template; Data Subject’s Standard Notice to Address Grievances and NDP Act Compliance Audit Returns Filing Fee.

Speaking further, he added complying with the NDP Act GAID is not just a regulatory requirement, but a strategic enabler for trust, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Concerning Data Protection Officers (DPO), he said their contact must be publicly available and communicated to the Commission; annual credential assessment of DPOs will be conducted to ensure they maintain requisite level of professionalism to carry out their responsibilities; the DPO is required to submit a semi-annual report to management on the data protection status within the organization; the DPO should have unrestricted access to personal data and processing activities to effectively fulfil their role; the DPO must operate independently, free from undue influence to ensure objectivity; the DPO must maintain confidentiality regarding their work.’

In conclusion, he noted, ‘the successful implementation of the NDP Act depends on cooperation among all stakeholders (data subjects, government, businesses, Civil Society Organisations and the media). Through this collective effort, we can transform compliance into opportunity, strengthening governance, improving services, and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.’

Kylian Mbappe says life in Real Madrid has given him the calm and balance he needed to reset both mentally and physically, as the France forward continues his blistering start to the new season.

The 26-year-old France captain has netted 14 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions so far, following a prolific debut campaign that saw him score 44 goals, even as Real Madrid fell short of major silverware.

Kylian Mbappe

Speaking ahead of France’s World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan, Mbappe reflected on his move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid in June 2024, a transition he says has been as refreshing off the pitch as it has been rewarding on it.

‘No career is linear. There can be difficult years when you have to endure more hardship,’ Mbappe told reporters.

‘But I’ve adapted well to Madrid. I indeed feel more relaxed here. This isn’t a criticism of France, but life in Madrid is different, less hectic than in Paris.’

Mbappe admitted that the change of environment has been key to rediscovering his rhythm and focus.

‘I’ve managed to get myself back on track, to get my head and legs back in the right place. It’s part of growing as a man and as a player. But it’s only October, the season is long, and there’s still a lot to achieve.’

Mbappe, who left PSG as their all-time top scorer with 256 goals after winning six Ligue 1 titles and four French Cups, remains equally ambitious at the international level.

France are currently top of Group D in World Cup qualifying, and Mbappe is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record, just five goals shy of Giroud’s tally of 57.

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), on Friday reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to partnering with credible private sector players who share its vision of building a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous nation.

Akume made the statement when he received an award from the African Business Ventures and Investment Group (ABVIG).

Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, office of the SGF, said the award was conferred on the SGF in recognition of his exemplary role in providing private sector partnership with government in the implementation of climate change initiatives and infrastructure development in Africa.

Akume acknowledged that the award is in recognition of the immense commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, towards promoting sustainable development, climate resilience, and green investment in Africa.

Akume, represented by Okokon Etoabasi, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs and Bilateral Relations in the Office of the SGF, said that the federal government has provided an enabling policy and institutional environment for climate action to thrive.

The government, he said, is pursuing the climate agenda through several agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change, and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in driving initiatives that promote adaptation, mitigation, green growth, and sustainable infrastructure development.

He commended ABVIG for providing a platform for dialogue and partnership through the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change Summit, which complements the government’s effort in mobilising private sector participation, technological innovation, and investment in sustainable development.

Speaking earlier, Moses Owharo, the chairman and chief executive officer of African Business Ventures and Investment Group, thanked the SGF for his active participation and technical support toward the successful hosting of the Africa Infrastructure and Climate Change and Investment Summit 2025 (AICIS) held in Abuja, which underscores the importance of government engagement in providing an enabling ground for the implementation of climate change.

He sought collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and other relevant stakeholders in combating climate change. He also thanked NDMPRA, NUPRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other private organisations for their support in ensuring the success of AICIS 2025.

Part of the highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to Nadungu Gagare, the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (PEAO), the representative of the SGF, Okon Etoabasi and some staff of the OSGF who contributed toward the success of the AICIS 2025 event.

Three towering figures of leadership and impact were celebrated at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) 2025 Summit, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award – The AEMA Black Prize for their extraordinary contributions to Africa and the world.

Those honoured include: Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, Nigeria Customs Service; Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary General for Sustainable Energy and Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR, Former UN Under-Secretary-General, Special Adviser on Africa, and Nigeria’s Former Chief of Staff to the President.

The awards were presented during the high-level gala at The Yale Club of New York City, on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80).

‘These leaders exemplify Africa’s finest – they are architects of policy, champions of innovation, and bridge-builders who have shaped global conversations for decades,’ said Mr. McEva Temofe, Convener of the AEGC 2025 Summit.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was recognised for his leadership in modernising Nigeria’s customs operations, facilitating trade corridors, and positioning Nigeria as a driver under the AfCFTA framework.

Kandeh Yumkella was honoured for his global advocacy on sustainable energy, economic transformation, and Africa’s role in climate-smart development.

Professor Ibrahim Gambari, received the award for his decades-long service to diplomacy, governance, and Africa’s strategic presence in the United Nations system.

The AEMA Black Prize – Lifetime Achievement Award is one of Africa’s highest recognitions of global excellence, presented annually to individuals whose contributions have had lasting impact on development, peace, and prosperity across borders.

This year’s AEGC Summit brought together Heads of State, ministers, investors, and UN leaders under the theme, ‘International Summit on Security, Economy, and Investment in the Global Space,’ with sessions on strategic investment, youth empowerment, and Africa’s pathway to global competitiveness.

As preparations begin for AEGC Malta and Beijing 2026, the recognition of these distinguished leaders underscores the Summit’s mission to spotlight transformational African and global leadership while fostering partnerships for a sustainable future.

Our parents were so close that when our mother died, we feared our father would barely last a year without her. They were inseparable, the kind of couple people admired and whispered about in awe. They finished each other’s sentences, shared the same room since we were children, wore matching clothes on Sundays, took evening strolls hand in hand and ate from the same plate. You could never pitch one against the other; their union was seamless. Their marriage was a model, one many aspired to have but few could ever replicate.

So, when Mama passed, we were shattered. Papa mourned with a heaviness that seemed unbearable. Neighbours, friends and church members trooped in and out of the house to console him. But in the midst of that gloom, I noticed something strange. Papa’s face lit up when a particular woman came visiting. I had never seen her before, but his whole countenance changed instantly. For those few minutes she was in the room, it was as if everything else faded away and only she existed. That spark in his eyes was impossible to miss.

She never came back after that first and only visit, but I couldn’t completely dismiss what I had noticed. Life carried on. We buried Mama and painfully adjusted to a life without her and a void that could not be filled. She had been the matriarch, the glue that bound us together, the one who always kept things in order. Those early months were hard for all of us. We worried endlessly about Papa: his health, the loneliness, the grief pressing on his shoulders.

And yet, against all our fears, Papa became the brightest and sweetest version of himself. He looked healthier than ever. He was so full of life that he barely needed his blood pressure medication. His voice carried a lightness we hadn’t heard in years. His laughter came easily, and his eyes sparkled. Instead of withering away, Papa bloomed, and for that we were deeply grateful.

Two years later, on his birthday, Papa surprised us with a family video call. His voice carried an unusual excitement. Papa’s video calls usually came with heaviness and big family announcements. I couldn’t shake off the memory of a family meeting years back, when he told us of Mama’s illness. But this time was different. With his usual gentleness but a renewed glow, Papa dropped his news: he wanted to get married!.

It was as if lightning struck. Instantly, the family was divided. Some siblings felt he had not mourned Mama enough, accusing him of dishonouring her memory. Others thought he was moving too fast, blinded by loneliness. Voices rose, tempers flared. But I stayed quiet. Unlike them, I had seen Papa closely, the sparkle in his eyes, the vigour in his steps, the way his spirit radiated life again. He was thriving. I didn’t have it in me to snuff out whatever it was that made him so alive.

My siblings pressed me to find out who this woman was. So out of duty, not curiosity, I asked him. That was when Papa, with a softness in his voice, told me the story.

Her name was Bidemi. His first love. The only woman he had ever truly loved.

This was a rude shock. I almost lost my balance on my chair. I had always thought Mama was the absolute love of his life. Wow! I couldn’t believe what I just heard, and I was desperate to hear the rest of the story.

As a young man, he and Bidemi had been inseparable. Then she left for the UK to further her studies. In her absence, Papa grew close to Mama. Although they moved in the same circles, Mama was fully aware of his relationship with Bidemi. But one night – one drunken night – changed everything. He couldn’t even recall the details, but Mama appeared weeks later, pregnant. Their families called it a blessing in disguise and urged marriage. ‘A bird in hand,’ they said, ‘is better than one abroad.’ And so Papa married Mama.

When Bidemi returned, she discovered that the man who had promised her forever was now married with a child. Their heartbreak was mutual. Yet Papa, bound by duty and honour, chose to stay with Mama. His love belonged to Bidemi, but his life belonged to another.

Papa admitted that those early years were agonising. He had to train himself to live with Mama without letting Bidemi’s name slip. He had to discipline his heart to love differently, to show loyalty and to build a respectable life. Mama knew. Deep down, she always knew Bidemi had his heart. But Papa gave her no reason to doubt his commitment. He was faithful, present, hardworking and over time their marriage grew into the admired union we all knew. What looked perfect from the outside had been forged in fire and sacrifice.

And then, after Mama’s death, fate brought Bidemi back. It wasn’t easy to rebuild trust after decades of silence. She had to be convinced that he was sincere, that this wasn’t some fleeting attempt to fill a void. Life had dealt her tough blows, and she wasn’t ready to risk being hurt again. Losing the love of her life to someone she thought was a friend, then being widowed so unexpectedly, had been more than enough pain.

But Papa wasn’t willing to let love slip away twice. This was his second chance. rare and miraculous. He intended to seize it. ‘Who in this life gets to love the same person twice?’ he asked me.

Before I left, he shared something else, something that lingered with me long after. He told me there had always been a question he wanted to ask Mama before she died, but he never dared. ‘Sometimes, what you don’t know cannot kill you,’ he muttered under his breath.

What could it have been? What question was so important that he couldn’t bring himself to ask, yet it haunted him even after Mama’s death?

That night, lying in bed, I scrolled through old family photos, reminiscing about the times we shared. Then suddenly, one particular photo caught my attention. It was our last Christmas together before Mama died. I paused, staring, and for the very first time, I noticed something I had never seen before. My eldest sibling, the firstborn, didn’t resemble the rest of us. His mannerisms had always been different, his looks distinct. Suddenly, Papa’s unasked question loomed large in my mind.

Could it be that Mama pinned a pregnancy on Papa that wasn’t his? Could that be the truth he quietly suspected but never voiced? A truth or is it a secret he chose to live with all his life?

We may never know. Or maybe one day we will.

The thought has been sitting quietly in my chest. Should I pry or just let the sleeping dog lie? My curiosity might hurt some people. It could rewrite everything we thought we knew about love, sacrifice and family. Maybe like Papa, I should let it sail.

But I will never look at my brother or remember Mama the same way again.

The sharp rebound in earnings per share (EPS) across Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies is boosting the equities market, driving share-price appreciation, and renewing investor optimism in the consumer segment.

The rise in EPS, a key measure of how much profit a company earns per share, has become a critical indicator for investors assessing the strength and value of listed firms amid Nigeria’s fragile but improving macroeconomic environment.

Recent financial results show that FMCG giants such as Cadbury Nigeria swung from a negative earnings per share of 426 kobo in the first half of 2024 to a positive 446 kobo in the corresponding period of 2025, a turnaround driven by revenue recovery and better cost discipline. Champion Breweries Plc also recorded a similar pattern, moving from a negative EPS of N4.94 kobo in H1 2024 to a positive N25.57 kobo in H1 2025.

International Breweries Plc, which had struggled with heavy finance costs and currency losses in the previous year, returned to profitability as its EPS rose from a N3.98 loss per share to a positive N0.25 in the same period. Nestlé Nigeria Plc, one of the country’s most capitalised consumer goods firms, reported a turnaround, improving from a loss of N223.19 per share to a positive EPS of N63.80.

Similarly, Nigerian Breweries Plc, the sector’s largest player, rebounded strongly from an 828 kobo loss per share in H1’24 to post a positive 285 kobo per share in H1 2025, reflecting efficiency gains and the recovery of beer consumption after a challenging year.

These results mark a sector-wide earnings revival and confirm that profitability has not only returned but is strengthening across the board. Analysts say the improvement signals renewed investor confidence in the FMCG space, with the rebound in EPS translating into stronger market valuations and renewed buying interest in consumer stocks.

Bolade Agboola, consumer goods analyst at ChapelHill Denham, said the cause of the negative earnings was largely the devaluation of the naira, which ballooned their finance costs and weighed negatively on earnings.

‘The turnaround in EPS across the FMCG sector is a strong indicator that the consumer segment is stabilising,’ said Agboola. ‘We expect a stable naira, and so this is positive for FMCGs and supportive to their earnings, as investors are beginning to see value again in companies like Cadbury, Nestlé, and Nigerian Breweries that had previously been weighed down by rising costs and currency headwinds.’

For Olufunmilola Adebowale, head of research at Parthian Partners, the EPS rebound signals stronger fundamentals in the FMCG sector; it shows that most of these companies have recovered from last year’s shock. including exchange rate stability, moderating inflation, and improved consumer demand, all of which are contributing to better earnings.

‘What we are seeing now is partly because of base effects. These companies are coming from a negative position to a positive one, so the growth appears very sharp. Going forward, the growth rate will likely moderate. It’s still a good sign for investors, but the extraordinary jumps we saw this year won’t likely repeat themselves next year,’ she said.

Economic conditions empowering EPS growth

Many FMCG firms have been able to turn things around because they converted their foreign loans to naira loans and paid down part of their exposures. With the naira now relatively stable compared to what it was last year, some of those exchange losses have turned into gains.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that after trading, the naira closed at N1,466.65 per dollar on Thursday, October 9, representing a 0.78 percent depreciation from the N1,478.22 quoted on January 31 at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

At its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting held in September 2025, the Central Bank cautiously reduced its benchmark interest rate, the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), by 50 basis points to 27 percent from 27.50 percent. The move was aimed at boosting growth while sustaining the interest of foreign portfolio investors in the country.

Easing foreign exchange restrictions, increasing local sourcing of raw materials, and government reforms in manufacturing and energy have helped FMCG firms reduce import dependence and cushion the impact of naira volatility.

The stability has supported earnings growth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s headline moderated to 20.12 percent year-on-year in August, down from 21.88 percent recorded in July.

Analysts at FBNQuest said the easing in August’s inflation reading was driven by softer energy prices and ongoing stability in the FX market.

Companies like Champion Breweries and Nestlé have expanded local manufacturing and streamlined operations, cutting costs and boosting margins. These structural adjustments have helped translate revenue growth into higher EPS, reinforcing investor confidence in the sector.

Recent financial results show FMCG giants such as Cadbury Nigeria, Champion Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, Nestlé Nigeria Plc, and Nigerian Breweries collectively reported a turnaround of N211 billion in the first half, from a negative N376 billion in the same period of 2024.

In the first six months (H1) of 2025, Champion Breweries saw its profit rise 692 percent to N2.3 billion, rebounding from a N386 million loss it recorded in the same period last year. Similarly, Nigerian Breweries posted a net profit of N88.4 billion in the first half of 2025, reversing an N85.2 billion loss a year earlier.

The NGX Consumer Goods Index on October 9th rose by 120.62 percent year-to-date, according to market data, making it one of the best-performing segments on the Nigerian Exchange, with leading FMCG stocks delivering double-digit price gains.

How rising EPS impacts the equity market

The improvement in EPS has become a key driver of equity market performance, particularly for consumer goods stocks. Higher EPS signals stronger profitability and often precedes share price appreciation, as investors reward firms capable of generating consistent returns per share.

‘Rising EPS gives investors confidence that a company’s fundamentals are solid, especially in volatile economies like Nigeria’s,’ said Agboola, a consumer analyst. ‘It not only influences share valuations but also underpins dividend expectations, both of which drive stock demand.’

She added that ‘We have seen prices rebound, and so that has been positive in terms of market capitalisation and also capital appreciation for investors.’

As of October 10, Cadbury Nigeria’s share price surged by 200 percent, rising from N23 to N69, while Champion Breweries Plc recorded the highest growth of 325 percent, climbing from N3.95 to N16.8. International Breweries Plc followed with 154.4 percent, while Nestlé Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc gained 91.7 percent and 117.4 percent, reflecting strong investor confidence and improved earnings performance across the FMCG sector.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending open defecation and strengthening water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects by keying into the new development version supported by the World Bank, code-named Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

Seun Ashamu, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, speaking at a two-day workshop held at the Western Hall, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Ibadan, urged participants to critically review the consultant’s report.

Sunday Moradeyo, director of forestry, who represented the commissioner, admonished the participants to make recommendations that would enhance the health, well-being, and future of Oyo State residents.

The workshop was jointly organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation.

Rahman Olorunpoto, the chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, stated that the two-day validation workshop on the preparedness of the state for the SURWASH programme is commendable, as it confirmed the concern of the present administration towards the well-being of the citizens.

Olorunpoto promised to brief the house on the need to provide legislative support for the realisation of this noble intention.

Olayinka Akanle, professor and the lead consultant, explained that the validation workshop focused on key areas, including WASH Sector Analysis, Political Economy Analysis, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Capacity-Building Needs, Gender Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Engagement.

Bilkisu Dossah, the co-consultant in her presentation, revealed that the World Bank has committed $700 million to the federal government for the SURWASH programme.

She noted that while seven states are already benefiting under Tier 1, Oyo State is among five others (Oyo, Abia, Anambra, Edo, and Kwara) eligible under Tier 2 for technical assistance.

Dossah further highlighted the challenges that should be addressed for the enablement of the WASH programme in Oyo State, which include the absence of a full-fledged Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the lack of a legal framework for WASH, weak institutional coordination, and the absence of a regulatory body.

She therefore recommended the speedy passage of the draft WASH policy into law, the creation of a Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, and the establishment of a regulatory body to strengthen accountability and service delivery.