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In a determined effort to cushion the effects of hunger, the Mayor of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Prince Lanre Sanusi, on Thursday re-launched his ‘Apo Ariyo’ food distribution initiative, providing bagged food items to over 2,000 residents.

The well-attended event, graced by community leaders, stakeholders, and residents, saw Sanusi-accompanied by his wife, Dr. Mrs. Abidemi Ajoke Sanusi-highlight President Bola Tinubu’s compassionate governance as the inspiration behind the Apo Ariyo initiative, noting that it aligns with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the grassroots level.

‘We have been doing this since 2014, but this edition is different because you voted for me here. It is part of our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s welfarist policy,’ Sanusi said. ‘We will be doing this every month. Next month’s edition will be bigger, and the December one will be more far-reaching due to the festive season.’

According to him, each food pack contains rice, beans, and garri for distribution across the council’s wards, targeting 1,500 households with an additional 500 packs reserved.

The event also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the ‘Dubar Junction Road’ project at Mile 2, which includes the construction of a gate, gatehouse, perimeter fencing, road repairs, and median beautification.

Sanusi laid the first brick at the site, alongside his vice chairman, Maureen Ashara; APC Chairman, Apostle Ayo Ogunbiyi; and councillors. The project engineer assured that construction would be completed within 12 weeks.

Sanusi further vowed to tackle traffic congestion by enforcing regulations against double parking by tricycle riders, pledging to replicate the orderliness seen in other well-organized communities.

He announced plans to commence reconstruction and repair works on major inner roads such as 1st Avenue to Alakija, 2nd Avenue, 7th Avenue, and Agboju Market Road.

‘Our inner roads will receive more attention, and by December, all will be motorable. This is our commitment,’ he assured.

He also disclosed that a major road project at Akoso would be completed before the end of next year, reiterating his resolve to serve diligently and deliver visible dividends of democracy.

Stakeholders commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for residents. Mr. Waheed Atanda, Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), noted that tackling hunger directly addresses many of the nation’s broader challenges.

Prince Adeyemi Muftau-Ayilara, President of the Amuwo Odofin Landlord Residents Association (ALORA), lauded the Mayor for alleviating hardship in the community.

Beneficiaries, including Mr. Olatunbosun Olayemi, Mrs. Mulikat Raheem, and Mrs. Victoria James, expressed gratitude, praising Sanusi’s leadership and describing the gesture as timely and impactful for the poor and elderly.

The Nigeria Customs Service has smashed a trans-border smuggling ring operating along the Seme border axis of Lagos State.

The gang, which specialized in smuggling expired rice, flour, vehicles and other prohibited items into the country, was ambushed by Customs officials attached to the Seme border command and goods worth over N1 billion were said to have been seized from the gang.

The Area Controller of the Seme Command, Wale Adenuga, said this yesterday, while showcasing the seized items to reporters.

Customs officials, Adenuga said, monitored the gang for over two weeks before the clamp down resulting in the seizure of 10,000 bags of expired flour and several other prohibited items from the gang.

The Seme Customs Command, he said, had to deploy more officers in dealing with the large consignment of prohibited goods seized from them.

He said the massive haul, valued at over N1 billion, was the result of weeks of intensive surveillance and coordinated enforcement along the Seme axis.

According to Adenuga, officers of the command intercepted not only the expired flour but also a variety of other contraband, including smuggled vehicles, bags of foreign parboiled rice, drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), bales of used clothing, and consignments of Indian hemp.

He explained that the expired flour, which had been carefully concealed in trucks and warehouses, posed a significant public health risk had it entered the Nigerian market.

‘We will not allow expired or substandard goods to find their way into our country and endanger our citizens,’ he declared.

The Comptroller stated that the seizure aligns with the Service’s broader mission of curbing smuggling activities that undermine national economic growth and public safety.

He emphasised that the fight against economic sabotage remains a top priority for the Service.

Adenuga, who described smuggling as an act of sabotage against the nation’s economy, warned that those who continue to indulge in the illicit trade will face the full weight of the law.

‘Smuggling is not only a crime; it is an assault on our economy and on legitimate businesses that pay taxes and abide by the law,’ he said.

He also commended the synergy among various security agencies, crediting inter-agency cooperation for the success of the operation.

According to him, the collaboration between the Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) played a vital role in tracking, intercepting, and confiscating the illegal consignments.

A Scholar, Dr. Akinola Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa has congratulated Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) on his nomination by the National Council of State as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In a statement in Abuja, Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa invoked the profound maxim: ‘It is only the deep that can understand the deep,’ to underscore his confidence in Prof. Amupitan’s ability to revolutionize the nation’s electoral system with innovative technological advancements that will inspire trust and enthusiasm among Nigerians.

.’Having known Prof. Amupitan for over two decades, i can vouch for his exceptional work ethic, charisma, and intellectual rigour in every task he undertakes,’ Dr. Awodeyi-Akinsehinwa said.

‘As a seasoned legal luminary with a proven record of excellence, he is well-equipped to lead INEC to new heights. As a fellow scholar, i am certain he will deliver results that earn the admiration of our nation’s critical masses.

Hailing from Kogi State, Amupitan specializes in corporate law, evidence, governance, and privatisation.

He called on Nigerians to unite in support of the new INEC chairman to build a credible and transparent electoral system that reflects the will of the people.

‘This is a defining moment for our democracy. Let us stand with Prof. Amupitan to ensure elections that command universal respect’ he stated

The appointment awaits Senate confirmation, setting the stage for a transformative era ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming 2025 Kaduna international polo tournament gathers momentum, a new ‘sheriff’ is expected in town as Clearwater Farm Polo Team has concluded plans to make a debut during the prestigious fiesta.

Chairman of Clearwater Farm Polo, Brigadier General Kapeh Alwali Kazir (rtd), hinted his side is set to make its main debut at the 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament, underscoring its ambition to expand Nigeria’s equestrian landscape.

‘This opportunity allows us to showcase not only our horses but our team’s skill and the dedication and excellence that define Clearwater Farms,’ Kazir said. ‘Our goal here is principally to inspire greater appreciation for Polo and to offer unparalleled equestrian services that meet the needs of players, horse owners and families across the country.

With a five-decade heritage, Clearwater Farms offers a comprehensive suite of equestrian services. Its Kaduna facilities house over 60 horses and provide stabling, horse rentals, transportation and training programmes for children and adults, including a beginner’s riding school.

The company is expanding its operations to Abuja and Lagos, targeting new markets for equestrian sports. A key element of this expansion is the development of advanced veterinary services, including specialized diagnostic equipment and a mobile farrier unit.

Only a few months ago, Clearwater Farm Polo, who are the proud winners of the Late Dapo Ojora Cup at the 2025 Lagos polo tournament and Access Bank Cup champions at the Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo, was the brighter star as one of the major sponsors at the Late Dawule Baba Tournament.

Kazir explained that in identifying with the event, Clearwater Farm Polo was keying into the highly treasured legacies of the late ‘Teacher’ whose passion for the game transcends a mere love for the noble game of polo.

‘Teacher (Dawule Baba) who was part of our team often gave us technical advice and encouragement and by sponsoring the Clearwater Beginners Cup, Babies and Toddlers Cup and the Clearwater Youth Challenge Cup, we are preserving his legacies of training, mentoring, and encouragement of upcoming players, among others,’ he said.

Kazir who is supervising the team’s preparations for forthcoming 2025 Kaduna tournament as the First Vice President Kaduna Polo Club, assured that everything is being put in place for another exciting and memorable Kaduna polo tournament reputed for its intensity and camaraderie

Kaduna remained the home of the glittering Georgian Trophy which was contested for in Nigeria by high-goal teams way back in 1919. Other major prizes that would be carted home by the winners during the upcoming 2025 Kaduna polo festival include the Emir of Katsina Cup, Imani Cup and El Amin Cup.

Meanwhile, Kazir has hailed the commitment of the Tournament Committee under Malam Atiku Abubakar Saleh, saying the tourney will be the best organized in recent times to make up for the club’s inability to host the fiesta last year due to African Horse Sickness {AHS}

He listed other top laurels that would be at stake during the prestigious polo festival to include Isa Kaita, Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina Cup, Sardauna Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup, Musa Yar’Adua Cup, Dangote Cup and Beginners Cup, among others.

Stakeholders across the country’s trade and logistics value chain have echoed the need for full adoption of the National Single Window (NSW), describing it as a national economic lifeline capable of transforming the country’s import and export processes, boosting competitiveness and attracting global investment.

The consensus was reached yesterday at a stakeholders’ engagement forum jointly organised by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Single Window Secretariat in Lagos. At the event, government agencies, freight forwarders, manufacturers and private sector representatives underscored the urgency of embracing the digital platform to drive trade efficiency.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Kingsley Igwe, in his keynote address, urged all trade stakeholders to embrace the NSW initiative, describing it as a ‘national economic lifeline’ capable of transforming the country’s logistics and trade environment.

Igwe said the time for ‘half measures’ in Nigeria’s trade reform is over, emphasising that the success of the NSW would depend on how quickly government agencies and private sector players adopt and own the system.

He said: ‘If Nigeria is to rise as a competitive logistics and trade hub, the National Single Window must not only be adopted, it must be owned and championed by every business, every agency and every operator.

‘We must see this not as another government initiative but as a national economic lifeline. The time to adopt the NSW is now.’

Describing the NSW as a ‘game changer’ for Nigeria’s economy, Igwe commended President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating political will to bring the project to fruition. He explained that the platform, already adopted in countries like Singapore, South Korea and Rwanda, would integrate all trade-related agencies and processes into a unified digital system, cutting down duplication, paperwork and delays.

‘Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its economic journey. We are Africa’s largest economy, yet our businesses continue to struggle under the heavy burden of high logistics costs, fragmented processes and delays in cargo clearance. The National Single Window provides a transformative solution to all these challenges,’ he said.

Igwe outlined that the system will allow importers, exporters and regulatory agencies to submit and access trade documents on a single interface, with real-time tracking, automated approvals and minimal human contact-key features that enhance transparency and reduce corruption.

Highlighting the economic benefits, the CRFFN boss said full adoption of the NSW could reduce logistics costs by up to 25-30 percent, while boosting the country’s competitiveness in global trade and attracting new investments.

He added that the system would empower manufacturers through faster clearance of raw materials and equipment, help SMEs scale their operations by simplifying access to trade tools, and enable freight forwarders to enjoy digitally tracked consignments with fewer operational bottlenecks.

‘The National Single Window will lower the cost of doing business, enhance supply chain visibility, and give Nigeria a stronger footing in the global market,’ Igwe stated.

According to Igwe, the platform is also essential for Nigeria’s effective participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as it aligns the country’s trade processes with continental and international best practices.

He noted that by streamlining cross-border trade and reducing documentation, the initiative would encourage business expansion and create more jobs in logistics, manufacturing, ICT, and other service sectors.

While technology forms the backbone of the National Single Window, Igwe stressed that the system’s success rests on trust, collaboration and transparency among all stakeholders. He urged government agencies to harmonise overlapping regulations, while calling on banks, insurers, and logistics operators to integrate fully into the digital ecosystem.

‘Government agencies must harmonise regulations and eliminate duplications, while private operators must embrace digitalisation and abandon manual shortcuts. Trust is key to the system’s success,’ he added.

Earlier in his remarks, Tola Fakolade, Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of the Secretariat, explained that the forum aimed to raise awareness, share progress updates, and prepare stakeholders for the official upcoming launch of the first phase of the project.

He assured that the team has been collaborating with key government agencies including NAFDAC, SON, CBN, NPA, NIMASA, FAAN, Shippers’ Council, CRFFN, among others, to harmonise regulatory processes and ensure seamless implementation.

‘We are now approaching the launch phase, and it is important that all stakeholders understand the project’s scope and impact,’ he said.

‘At this point, everybody- both public and private stakeholders-starts getting involved. We want to hear from you, address your concerns, and ensure we all move together towards a seamless launch,’ he added.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of Customs Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede, reaffirmed the Service’s readiness to partner with other agencies to improve port efficiency through the Single Window initiative. He noted that the NCS had already introduced trade facilitation tools such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and time-release studies to boost efficiency.

In a goodwill message, Vice President of NACCIMA, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, speaking on behalf of its President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, lauded the initiative as a major step toward enhancing the country’s trade facilitation. He said NACCIMA remained committed to collaborating with government and private sector stakeholders to strengthen the nation’s competitiveness.

‘Today’s discussion will not only highlight the importance of the National Single Window Project but also chart innovative solutions to enhance compliance, reduce costs, and ultimately boost our economy,’ he said.

In his concluding remarks, Igwe reiterated that the National Single Window is central to Nigeria’s economic future.

‘Trade is the engine of growth, but logistics is the fuel that drives it. The National Single Window ensures that this fuel flows without obstruction. Its adoption will show the world that Nigeria is ready to do business at the speed of global commerce,’ he concluded.

With the project nearing launch, stakeholders agreed that the initiative marks a decisive step toward positioning Nigeria as a competitive trade and logistics hub in Africa and beyond.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has announced the commencement of the 2025 Speaker’s Game, tagged ‘Unity Edition.’

The annual sporting fiesta aims to strengthen camaraderie among the state’s workforce while celebrating a decade of impactful leadership by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Hon. Abiodun Orekoya, the Assembly described the Speaker’s Game as a flagship initiative promoting friendship, fitness, and teamwork across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Orekoya noted that since its inception in 2020, the Speaker’s Game has become a unifying platform for staff within the legislative and executive arms, fostering stronger institutional cooperation.

The 2025 edition, scheduled to hold between October and November at the Assembly Complex, will feature 32 male and 16 female football teams, alongside competitions in volleyball, tug of war, table tennis, snooker, ayo olopon, draught, ludo, and PlayStation games, among other side attractions.

According to Orekoya, this year’s ‘Unity Edition’ reflects the peace and collaboration currently enjoyed within the Legislative Arm of the Lagos State Government.

‘The 2025 Speaker’s Game will bring together talented sports lovers from selected MDAs. We’ve introduced several improvements to make this edition even more successful than the previous ones,’ he said.

He added that the event will also serve as a platform for empowerment through the distribution of ‘Ounje Obasa’, while promoting healthy living, gender inclusion, and the spirit of sportsmanship among public servants.

Orekoya further described the Speaker’s Game as more than a sporting event – a symbol of unity, leadership, and shared purpose that aligns with the Assembly’s vision of making Lagos not only the Centre of Excellence but also a model of institutional cooperation and human capital development.

Renowned social worker, broadcaster, singer, and human rights activist, Ambassador Emmanuel Gabari, has released his much-anticipated music album, Let There Be Light (Ttaala)’ to mark his birthday on October 7, 2025.

The seven-track album reflects Gabari’s deep commitment to using music as a tool for social change, peacebuilding, and advocacy. Known for addressing issues affecting society’s most vulnerable groups – including children, women, and marginalized communities – Amb. Gabari continues his mission of inspiring hope and unity through art.

Speaking on the album release, Amb. Gabari expressed gratitude and excitement: ‘I am happy putting together this body of work. It’s been a journey, and I am earnestly grateful to God for finally making this a reality.’

The new album features songs such as ‘Save The Children,’ ‘End The Violence,’ ‘Babymi,’ ‘Celebrate HRDs,’ ‘Miliki,’ ‘My Body My Soul,’ and the title track ‘Let There Be Light (Ttaala).’ Each song addresses social themes ranging from human rights and empowerment to love, unity, and spiritual reflection.

In addition to his musical career, Amb. Gabari is also an accomplished actor. Sharing his experience combining acting and music, he said: ‘Acting and music have always been my passion. I’ve done a couple of acting gigs, and when I got the role to act alongside Mama Gee (Mummy Patience Ozokwor), I was so elated. It was a mind-blowing experience. For music and songwriting, it’s what I do effortlessly.’

Amb. Gabari describes the new album as a message of hope, reassurance, love, peace, and togetherness, encouraging everyone to listen and share its uplifting message.

‘Let There Be Light is an album that brings hope and light to our world. Please listen, share, and let me know what song(s) you love most. Thank you and God bless,’ he added.

A new platform CameraHubs has intensified efforts to launch Africa’s marketplace for cameras, audio equipment, broadcasting gear, and stage lighting to boost creatives in their work.

The launch is slated for December 1, 2025.

The brains behind the platform, Eugin Joachin, a Nigerian businessman with over 20 years of experience in the photographic equipment industry, said the inspiration for CameraHubs came from decades of watching creatives struggle.

‘I have seen photographers cry after discovering they bought fake gear or they are finding it difficult to get exactly what they want .I have seen churches spend months trying to bring in basic microphones, trusses, stage lights and other equipment. I have also seen middlemen inflate prices unnecessarily. CameraHubs is the big break Africa’s creatives have been waiting for,’ he said.

He said the target audience are photographers, cinematographers, content creators, churches, clubs, broadcasters, and entertainers, adding that creatives don’t just need equipment; they need guidance, inspiration, and opportunities to connect.

‘The platform will connect buyers directly to different distributors, retailers and manufacturers. Buyers will also be able to browse multiple shops, compare prices, and choose what suits their budgets,’ he said at a media parley in Lagos.

‘This is not just another online store. It is a hub where industry players, manufacturers, retailers, and professionals come together in one space. If you are a photographer, a filmmaker , club owners, churches you will find exactly what you need without stress,’ he added.

At the turn of the 21st century, precisely from October 10 – 12, 2000, the first ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, following earlier consultations. Nearly 100 ministers from China and 44 African countries were in attendance. A joint declaration at the end of the conference among other things explained that the two sides were ‘highly appreciative of the stable development of Sino-Africa relations over the past decades, have full confidence in the future cooperation and agree that there exists a solid foundation for friendly relations and cooperation between China and Africa, given their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

Twenty-five years later, the trajectories of China-Africa cooperation have justified the optimism expressed at the inaugural conference that the two sides ‘have full confidence in the future cooperation’, even as they agreed ‘that there exists a solid foundation’, for such cooperation, nurtured by ‘their time-honoured traditional friendship’.

China-Africa cooperation even before the founding of the FOCAC process has time-honoured pedigree. From 1967, China set out to construct in Zambia and Tanzania, the nearly 2,000km railway line, offered an interest-free loan to cover costs of constructing the line and supporting infrastructure of stations and training school as well as the supply of motive power and rolling stock. The interest-free loan was repayable according to the agreement in 30 years.

The proposal for the project, later dubbed the freedom line or Tazara railways was outrightly rejected by major Western powers then, and even the former Soviet Union as economically unviable. China accepted to build it and duly completed in 1974.

In 1971, 26 African countries including Nigeria were among 76 other countries in the world that voted in the UN General Assembly to enable China regain her seat at the United Nations and provided the subsisting international consensus that there is only ‘One China’ in the world, and that Taiwan is an inalienable and integral part of China’s sovereign expression and territorial integrity.

The vigorous exchanges and mutual support were the basis for the time-honoured traditional friendship between China and Africa and consequently formed the ‘solid foundation’, on which the FOCAC process was built. The point need to be made that despite the phenomenal growth in China-Africa cooperation especially at the turn of the 21st century, with the establishment of FOCAC, the relationship is neither new nor transactional as some commentators want to describe it. It is rooted in traditional friendship and solidarity shaped by common experience of colonial domination and imperialist exploitation but more importantly a shared aspiration of social and economic well beings for their respective peoples.

In her traditional support for infrastructure construction, which began with the Tazara railway, China within the framework of the FOCAC mechanism further energised and reinforced by the Belt and Road framework for international cooperation have helped Africa to build and renovate more than 10,000 kilometres of railways, about 100,00km of roads, more than 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports.

Among the major infrastructure projects, includes the first transnational electrified railway line between Ethiopia and Djibouti, spanning over 750km and have significantly reduced both the time and cost of travel between the Ethiopia industrial heartland and the Djibouti port, the Mombassa-Nairobi standard gauge railway in Kenya, and the Lekki Deep Sea port in Lagos. The Lekki Deep Seaport with estimated economic benefits of about $360 billion would also create about 170,000 new jobs.

These are few among the many infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa built by China in the elaborate framework of the cooperation between the two sides. The projects respond to the original deficit in the struggle for Pan African Unity, a challenge taken up at the meeting of the defunct Organization of Africa Union (OAU) at its special session at Lagos, in 1980. The vision of continental connectivity and industrial take-off contained in the iconic document, Lagos Plan of Action’ was immediately countered by the World Bank and vitiated by lack of political will but has through the framework of the FOCAC process returned to the earlier blueprint with ‘Africa engaging more with herself through connectivity and trade than at any other time in her post-colonial history.

Economic and Trade cooperation have emerged as the flagship of the engagement between the two sides. For 16 years in a straight row, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner with the volume reaching a record of 295.74 billion USD in 2024, an increase of 6.1% from the previous year. Since the establishment of FOCAC in 2000, the trade volume between China and African countries have risen with average annual growth of 14.2%, rising from meagre 13.94 billion US dollars to the current record level.

More importantly, the structure of trade which previously revolved around export of Africa energy and mineral resources and imports of China’s manufactures are shifting in favour of high value-added sectors such mechanical and electrical products, digital services and green technologies. In 2024, African countries exports of processed agricultural products to China demonstrating strength in agro-processing and manufacturing significantly increased. China’s exports to Africa which includes photovoltaic modules, industrial robots and smart phones showed remarkable boost.

In overall, the shift in China-Africa trade towards diversification, higher value-added and technology intensive sector is becoming increasingly significant. Additionally, Chinese investments in the manufacturing, agro-processing sector energy and digital economy is scaling up Africa’s industrialization with cumulative investment that reached $42.12 billion, with nearly Chinese 3,300 operating in 51 African countries . To give greater impetus to Africa’s access to the Chinese market, the Chinese side instituted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, specifically designated to give products from Africa’s exposure to China’s huge market.

At this year’s 4th edition of the Expo, 176 contracts worth $11.39 billion were signed, a 45.8% increase to the previous edition of the Expo held in 2023. In addition to existing mechanism for concessional access of African products to the Chinese market, China proposed last June as a part of the implementation of Ten Partnership Action Plan, outlined by President Xi Jinping at the heads of State Summit of FOCAC held in 2024, to grant zero tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.

Since the creation of FOCAC in 2000, it has propelled bilateral cooperation of the two sides into a phase of rapid, comprehensive and stable development. In addition to the creation of multiple cooperation mechanism and trade facilitation initiatives, it has enabled a long term institutional support for China-Africa relations.

While China-Africa engagements at different levels are well known for tangible outcomes and deliverable, it is also fostering values through mutual learnings and governance experience sharing. Through the FOCAC process, inter-party consultations and civilizational dialogues are gaining momentum, and bridging the geographical gaps between the two sides.

The China-Africa journey within the framework of the FOCAC process is still a work in progress despite the crucial milestones it has reached. At the Beijing summit of last year, President Xi Jinping proposed to characterize China-Africa as ‘all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for a new era’.

More than 60 years ago, when the Chinese Venerable Premier, Zhou Enlai visited Africa, in Ghana he outlined the eight principles of China’s support and assistance to Africa. Among the eight principles, the forth explained that ‘in providing aid to other countries, the purpose of the Chinese government is not to make the recipient countries dependent on China but to help them embark step by step on the road to self-reliance and independent economic development’. This position is as valid today as it was, more than six decades ago, when it was pronounced on African soil.

The historic imperative for Africa is to meet China half way in the open brotherly embrace and make the opportunity of China to contribute to the concrete advantage of Africa’s renaissance, with FOCAC as the mutual roadmap.

As December approaches, all eyes in Nigeria’s boxing and entertainment circles turn once again to the year-end edition of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music, the signature fusion of sport and live performance that has become a fixture on the national events calendar. The event, featuring top-tier bouts and star-studded musical performances, has evolved beyond a celebration of sporting excellence to become a catalyst for local economic growth and creative industry development.

Now a December tradition, GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music has evolved into a platform that blends the grit of boxing with the energy of Nigerian entertainment. What began as an effort to revive interest in domestic boxing has become a multifaceted experience that generates income, promotes tourism, and offers visibility to both emerging and established talent.

Each edition draws thousands of attendees, from die-hard boxing fans to music lovers, while millions follow through live television broadcasts. This level of engagement stimulates business across multiple sectors. Hotels near the venue record spikes in bookings, transport operators see higher demand, and restaurants and bars enjoy increased patronage.

The economic ripple extends to the informal sector. Ushers, security personnel, stagehands, camera operators, and temporary staff find work opportunities during the period. For many, the December edition provides an extra income stream during the festive season. In the broader context, this flow of commercial activity underscores how sports and entertainment contribute to community-level economic growth.

For Nigerian boxers, GOtv Boxing Night remains the country’s most reliable professional platform. It offers fighters fair purses, broadcast exposure, and career visibility before local and international audiences. Several boxers who started on the GOtv stage have gone on to secure regional and global fights, a clear sign of how sustained private-sector investment can strengthen the local sports ecosystem.

The consistency of the event has also brought stability to athletes’ careers. With regular editions throughout the year and the flagship Boxing Jamz Music event in December, boxers can plan their training and livelihoods more effectively. The organisers’ commitment to athlete welfare, transparent contracts, and proper medical supervision has helped elevate professional standards in the sport.

The addition of the Music Jamz segment each December has expanded the event’s appeal and turned it into one of the biggest parties of the festive season. The December crowd does not only come for the punches; they come for the performances that light up the night. Over the years, the stage has hosted some of Nigeria’s biggest stars, including Burna Boy, Teni, Mayorkun, 9ice, Zlatan, Wande Coal, and Styl-Plus, among others. Their presence has helped position the event as a true convergence of sport and popular culture, a year-end celebration that captures the energy and rhythm of Nigerian entertainment.

By merging boxing with live music from leading and emerging artists, the organisers have created a hybrid experience that attracts diverse audiences and bridges two of Nigeria’s most vibrant industries. This model has proven effective not only for fan engagement but also for supporting the broader creative sector.

Artists, dancers, stylists, makeup artists, videographers, and content creators all benefit from the production of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music. The event requires a wide network of professionals, from sound engineers to lighting designers and stage setup teams, creating direct employment and project-based income. This collaboration between sports and entertainment also drives online content creation, amplifying the visibility of Nigerian talent locally and abroad.

Beyond economic activity, the December event promotes tourism. Each edition attracts visitors from across Nigeria and other African countries. These guests boost the hospitality and transport sectors, while media coverage projects Lagos as a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment. For tourism stakeholders, the consistent hosting of GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music demonstrates how event-based tourism can diversify local economies and enhance Nigeria’s image as a destination for major events.

From an organisational perspective, GOtv Boxing Night continues to set a benchmark for private-sector involvement in sports promotion. The planning, logistics, and production quality reflect growing professionalism within Nigeria’s events industry, one that builds investor confidence and encourages similar initiatives. The integration of music and boxing also highlights how partnerships across creative and athletic sectors can deliver long-term social and economic benefits.

For government and industry stakeholders, the model offers practical lessons. It shows that with consistent funding, professional management, and collaboration, private enterprises can play a central role in driving sports development, youth employment, and creative-economy growth. GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music stands as proof that structured partnerships between corporate sponsors, sports promoters, and creative professionals can produce outcomes aligned with national goals on youth empowerment and economic diversification.

As the December edition draws near, anticipation goes beyond the promise of title fights or headline performances. The event’s impact now resonates across multiple levels, from the boxer earning a living, to the street vendor making festive sales, to the young creative finding work on a production crew. Each participant contributes to a wider story of how sports and entertainment, when strategically developed, can drive sustainable growth and community development.

More than a year-end tradition, GOtv Boxing Night: Boxing Jamz Music has become a case study in how consistent investment in sports and entertainment can transform local economies, support talent, and inspire national pride. As it returns this December, the event continues to prove that the true value of boxing lies not only in the competition inside the ring but in the opportunities it creates far beyond it.