Category: Africa

Source: APO

On this glorious October 1, 2025, Nigeria unfurls its green-white-green banner once more, basking in the golden hues of its 65th Independence Anniversary. This day is not merely a commemoration but a vibrant reaffirmation of our collective journey—from the echoes of freedom’s call in 1960 to the resounding chorus of progress today. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng), under the visionary leadership of its founder and Editor-in-Chief, Jokpeme Joseph Omode, proudly joins the chorus of millions celebrating the indomitable spirit of the Giant of Africa. As a digital beacon illuminating politics, policy, economy, and culture, Alexa.ng reflects on Nigeria’s storied past, its unbowed present, and the luminous path ahead. This milestone is more than a date; it is a testament to Nigeria’s unyielding spirit, a celebration of its diverse heritage, and a bold declaration of its aspirations for the future. Alexa News Nigeria (Alexa.ng) joins millions of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to honor this momentous occasion, reflecting on the journey so far and envisioning a brighter tomorrow.

The Dawn of a Sovereign Dream

Sixty-five years ago, under the watchful eyes of the world, Nigeria shed the yoke of colonial dominion. The historic handover at Racecourse (now Tafawa Balewa Square) in Lagos marked the birth of a nation poised for greatness. Pioneers like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the fiery orator and first President; Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto whose northern vision shaped federalism; and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the sage of the West whose educational reforms echo eternally—these architects wove a constitution of unity amid diversity. Their pledge, enshrined in our anthem, rings true: “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

Today, that brotherhood endures. With 371 ethnic groups speaking over 500 languages, Nigeria’s mosaic is its masterpiece. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his stirring broadcast, captured this essence: “At 65, we are not just surviving; we are thriving as a symphony of voices, a federation of futures.” Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Alexa News Nigeria, whose platform has become synonymous with credible, investigative journalism, echoed this in an exclusive Independence reflection: “Nigeria’s independence is a living narrative—one of resilience forged in diversity. At Alexa.ng, we tell it unfiltered, amplifying every voice from the creeks of the Niger Delta to the savannas of the North.”

Omode, a multifaceted journalist with over a decade in media, brand strategy, public relations, and community development, founded Alexa News Nigeria to counter the din of sensationalism with substance. His commitment to “smart, straightforward news,” as he puts it, has positioned Alexa.ng as a trusted source for Nigerians home and abroad, fostering informed discourse in an era of misinformation.

Forged in Fire: Tales of Tenacity

No chronicle of Nigeria’s 65 years omits the crucibles that tempered its steel. The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) scarred the soul of a young nation, claiming over a million lives and testing the frayed threads of unity. Yet, from the ashes rose the mantra of “Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction,” a policy that healed wounds and rebuilt bridges. Subsequent oil booms and busts, military interludes, and the democratic dawn of 1999 have all been chapters in a saga of survival.

In the last decade, Nigeria has confronted Boko Haram’s shadow, economic recessions, and the COVID-19 tempest with characteristic grit. The security architecture, bolstered by Operation Hadin Kai and community vigilance, has reclaimed territories and lives. Economically, the pivot from mono-cultural oil reliance to a diversified portfolio—agriculture, tech, and manufacturing—signals maturity. The National Livestock Transformation Plan has modernized herding, curbing conflicts while boosting meat exports. In tech, hubs like CcHUB and ventures in fintech have minted unicorns, drawing Silicon Valley’s gaze.

Omode’s Alexa News Nigeria has been at the vanguard, dissecting these reforms with rigor. “Our pro-investigation ethos uncovers the truths behind policies,” Omode notes, citing Alexa.ng‘s exposés on agricultural subsidies that spurred accountability. His platform’s expansion beyond borders, through partnerships like the one with APO Group, ensures Nigerians access pan-African insights, reinforcing our continental leadership.

Pillars of Prosperity: Economy and Innovation

Nigeria’s economic odyssey from 1960’s agrarian roots to today’s $500 billion GDP powerhouse is a narrative of bold leaps. The Dangote Refinery’s 2025 full operations, refining 650,000 barrels daily, heralds energy sovereignty, slashing import bills and igniting petrochemical industries. Renewable energy surges too: The 1GW solar farm in Kano and wind projects in Jigawa illuminate off-grid villages, aligning with our 2060 net-zero vow.

Culture pulses as an economic artery. Nollywood, churning 2,500 films yearly, rivals Bollywood in reach, with Netflix deals for epics like Jagun Jagun. Afrobeats, propelled by Burna Boy’s Grammy sweeps and Ayra Starr’s global anthems, generates $100 million annually in exports. Fashion icons like Lisa Folawiyo drape runways in Milan, blending adire with haute couture.

Globally, Nigeria’s diplomacy shines. As ECOWAS chair, we mediated Gambia’s 2016 polls; in the UN, we champion SDGs. Omode, whose op-eds on women empowerment—drawing from Queen Amina’s legacy—have galvanized discourse, views this as “soft power incarnate.” Under his stewardship, Alexa.ng‘s coverage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has educated entrepreneurs, fostering intra-African trade that hit $50 billion in 2024.

Icons Illuminated: Honoring Our Architects

Independence salutes its sculptors. We evoke Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa’s eloquence, Margaret Ekpo’s suffrage fire, and modern beacons like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, whose Half of a Yellow Sun immortalized our pains and passions. This year’s National Honours spotlight unsung sentinels: From Dr. Philip Emeagwali’s supercomputing genius to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO triumphs.

Prominently, we celebrate Jokpeme Joseph Omode, whose founding of Alexa News Nigeria embodies patriotic journalism. With roots in hospitality, oil and gas, and education, Omode’s career is a testament to versatility. As CEO of Alexa Media Services, he mentors fledgling reporters, emphasizing integrity amid “clickbait giants and fake news merchants.” His piece on “Women Empowerment Shapes Stronger Societies,” invoking Cleopatra and Queen Amina, underscores his belief in inclusive progress. “Journalism is nation-building,” Omode asserts. “At 65, Alexa.ng honors Nigeria by holding power to account and uplifting the voiceless.” His platform’s Eid-el-Maulud greetings and Delta Social Media Summit collaborations exemplify unity in action.

Other honorees include Hauwa Ojeifo’s mental health crusades and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji’s tech incubators, weaving a tapestry of everyday heroism.

Festivities in Full Bloom: A Nation Ablaze with Joy

From Abuja’s Eagle Square, where 10,000 paraded in ethnic splendor—Hausa horsemen thundering alongside Igbo masquerades—the capital pulsed with pride. The Air Force’s Hawk jets traced our flag’s colors skyward, met with roars. In Lagos, “Eko Naija Fest” at TBS fused Afrobeat raves with VR exhibits on independence lore, drawing 50,000 revelers.

Kano’s Durbar cavalcade, with emirs in resplendent regalia, evoked 19th-century pageantry. Enugu’s New Yam Festival intertwined harvest rites with unity marches, while Port Harcourt’s boat regattas on the Bonny River celebrated oil-rich heritage. Diaspora pockets in London and Houston hosted virtual galas, streamed on Alexa.ng, bridging oceans.

Omode, ever the connector, curated Alexa.ng‘s live coverage: “These celebrations aren’t spectacles; they’re synapses firing our shared identity.”

Horizons Horizon: Charting the Next Epoch

At 65, Nigeria eyes 70 with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s blueprint. Infrastructure leaps—the 700km Lagos-Calabar Highway and Abuja-Kaduna rail—knit regions. Education’s renaissance: Free tech bootcamps in 774 LGAs slash youth unemployment from 42% to 30% by 2030 targets.

Healthcare’s digital leap, via the National Health ID, curbs maternal mortality. Climate warriors plant 25 million trees yearly under the Green Wall, taming desertification. Omode envisions: “A Nigeria where innovation trumps inertia, equity eclipses exclusion.”

Youth bulge—70% under 30—fuels this. STEM scholarships and maker spaces birth AI whizzes and drone farmers.

A Vision for the Future

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years, the nation is looking ahead with optimism. The Renewed Hope Agenda continues to drive reforms in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The completion of projects like the Ajaokuta Steel Complex and the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway has boosted industrial and economic growth. The government’s commitment to universal basic education is reducing the number of out-of-school children, while digital literacy programs are preparing Nigeria’s youth for a tech-driven world.

Climate action is also a priority, with Nigeria leading the charge in Africa’s transition to renewable energy. The Great Green Wall initiative, aimed at combating desertification, is transforming lives in the northern states, while reforestation projects in the South are preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity. By 2030, Nigeria aims to be a leader in green technology, with plans for electric vehicle manufacturing and solar-powered cities.

Rekindling the Flame: A Patriot’s Plea

Alexa News Nigeria implores: Let patriotism be praxis. Youth, code the apps revolutionizing farming; diaspora, invest in startups; elders, mentor the morrow. As Omode pens, “Independence is iterative—each generation inks the next clause.”

In unity, we ascend. Happy 65th, Naija! Our flag’s green for lush prosperity, white for peace’s purity.

A Call to Action

Alexa News Nigeria calls on every Nigerian to embrace the spirit of patriotism and contribute to the nation’s growth. To the youth, your innovation and energy are Nigeria’s greatest assets. To the diaspora, your remittances and advocacy continue to strengthen Nigeria’s global presence. To all Nigerians, let us build a nation where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.

As we mark 65 years of independence, let us recommit to the values of unity, resilience, and progress. Nigeria’s journey is far from over, and the next chapter promises to be even more remarkable. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria! May our flag continue to fly high, and may our dreams soar higher.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

Source: APO

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 As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, Lagos Post Online (https://www.LagosPostng.com/) joins millions of citizens at home and abroad to celebrate the strength, resilience, and unity of Africa’s most populous nation. Since October 1, 1960, Nigeria has continued to evolve, weathering challenges while holding firmly to the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

Reflecting on the milestone, Managing Director of Lagos Post Online (https://www.LagosPostng.com/), Damilare Bankole, described the anniversary as a testament to the Nigerian spirit. “At 65, Nigeria stands tall as a nation of extraordinary potential and unyielding resilience. Despite our struggles, we have proven time and again that we are a people who rise above challenges with courage and determination,” he said.

Mr. Bankole emphasized the role of the media in strengthening democracy and uniting citizens. “At Lagos Post Online, we believe in the power of truth, accountability, and storytelling to shape a better Nigeria. As we celebrate this milestone, our commitment remains unwavering—to inform, inspire, and amplify the voices of Nigerians who continue to make our country proud,” he added.

The 65th Independence anniversary is also a moment of reflection. While Nigeria continues to grapple with economic reforms, insecurity, and governance challenges, many believe that its diverse human capital, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit provide the foundation for a prosperous future.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bankole expressed optimism about Nigeria’s path forward. “We look to the next generation with hope. Nigeria’s story is still being written, and I believe the chapters ahead will be filled with innovation, progress, and unity. At Lagos Post Online (https://www.LagosPostng.com/), we are honored to walk this journey with our readers, shining light on both the triumphs and the trials that define our nation.”

As the green and white flag flies high today, Nigerians everywhere are reminded not only of their shared history but also of their collective responsibility to build a nation worthy of its promise.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Lagos Post Online.

Media Contact:
Damilare Bankole
Managing Editor
Lagos Post Online
M: +2348025837037
Email: Lagospostng@gmail.com

About Lagos Post Online:
Established in October 2011 as a personal blog – bankoledamilare.blogspot. com (https://www.LagosPostng.com/) before converting to a full news website on June 30th 2014 as Lagos Post Online, https://apo-opa.co/46K8QcC. 

We are an online publication that seeks to provide fair, unbiased, credible, balanced, and useful information about corporate organisations, governments, and the general public by breaking news in business, politics, arts, entertainment, culture, and sports in Nigeria, Africa, and the world. As a global news portal, we continually stand for responsible journalism and sound media practice. https://apo-opa.co/3IPsxaS

Source: APO

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Mambé and African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) President Sidi Ould Tah have urged Africa’s private sector to take centre stage in the continent’s economic transformation, stressing that the current global trade disruptions present an opportunity rather than a threat.

The two leaders were speaking on Monday at the opening of the 13^th edition of the CGECI Academy, the flagship annual forum of Côte d’Ivoire’s employers federation, held under the theme “Economic sovereignty: Time for Action.” The two-day event drew senior government officials, business leaders, and representatives of regional employers’ organisations.

Prime Minister Mambé underscored the urgency of moving beyond analysis to action. “The time for self-analysis is over; it’s now time for action!” he reiterated. “We must become aware of our strengths, our weaknesses and our untapped potential, and most importantly, we must establish a synthesis that consolidates our achievements for new prospects that are based on intelligent and dynamic partnerships.”

He stressed that economic sovereignty requires coordinated effort from government, private investors, young entrepreneurs, and consumers.

Dr Ould Tah echoed this call, telling the gathering that Africa must turn the current global trade tensions into a “historic opportunity” to strengthen regional value chains and process more of its abundant raw materials locally.

“For Africa, this is not a threat; it is a historic opportunity to establish a stronger, more integrated and more resilient local economy,” the Bank President said.

Dr Ould Tah, who assumed office on September 1, outlined his four-pillar strategy for Africa’s development: mobilising large-scale capital, reforming Africa’s financial architecture, accelerating the creation of quality jobs, and building climate-resilient infrastructure with green industrialisation.

He emphasised that structural economic transformation cannot be achieved by governments alone. “They will also come from the African private sector, which must be central to the strategy,” the Bank president said, calling on entrepreneurs to innovate and become major players in global markets.

The gathering comes as multilateral trade frameworks face mounting pressure from protectionist policies and geopolitical tensions. African leaders see the moment as critical for the continent to strengthen intra-African commerce and reduce dependence on external markets.

Ahmed Cissé, president of CGECI, pledged the private sector’s support for continental efforts to restore economic and financial sovereignty through institutional partnerships, including “working closely” with the African Development Bank.

The CGECI, which represents nearly 80 percent of Côte d’Ivoire’s private sector companies, has a long-standing partnership with the African Development Bank to boost youth entrepreneurship. Their joint initiative, La finance s’engage (Finance Commits) (https://apo-opa.co/4gOhTOt) has mobilised resources for hundreds of Ivorian start-ups since 2016, including a €1.108 million project (https://apo-opa.co/4nBJAN4) that has supported 200 young entrepreneurs, nearly a third of them women.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Flickr album:
https://apo-opa.co/4gS2gW3

Contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group
media@afdb.org

Source: APO – Report:

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The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $22.8 million grant from its concessional African Development Fund to strengthen Mozambique’s rice value chain and enhance climate resilience, targeting 30,000 smallholder farmers across four provinces.

The grant will fund the Rice Value Chain and Climate Resilience Project, which seeks to increase Mozambique’s rice self-sufficiency from 50 percent to 75 percent by 2030, addressing critical food security challenges in one of Africa’s most food-insecure nations.

Despite rice being a staple food, Mozambique produces only half of the 600,000 tons it consumes annually. The country relies on imports to bridge the 300,000-ton gap, a dependence that drains foreign reserves and deepens rural poverty.

“By targeting the most vulnerable populations and focusing on climate-smart technologies, the grant will create a lasting impact on food security and rural livelihoods,” Macmillan Anyanwu, the Bank Group’s Country Manager for Mozambique, stated, noting that the initiative aligns with the country’s national development strategy and the Bank’s commitment to transforming agricultural value chains. The project specifically targets vulnerable populations, with 70 percent of beneficiaries being women and 30 percent being youth.

The project is designed to quadruple rice yields, from a ton per hectare to four tons per hectare, and raise annual household incomes from about $590 to $1,000. Initial results are expected to generate an extra 6,000 tons of rice annually. While that covers just 2 percent of the country’s current deficit, it sets a foundation for scaling up production and reducing import dependency.

RIVACREP will rehabilitate 1,000 hectares of irrigation infrastructure, primarily in Gaza province, and establish five small-scale milling factories alongside 10 aggregator centres through a public-private partnership. Key interventions include the rehabilitation of irrigation systems, soil leveling, drainage improvements, and the construction of climate-resilient storage facilities, as well as the introduction of drought- and flood-tolerant rice varieties through partnerships with international research institutions. These interventions are expected to cut post-harvest losses by more than half, from 26 percent to 12 percent.

“By building resilient infrastructure and integrating private sector actors, RIVACREP will enable Mozambique to reduce dependency on imports, create domestic value addition, and set the foundation for an industrialized and climate-smart rice sector,” said Neeraj Vij, African Development Bank Group’s Regional Sector Manager.

“The project will also serve as a model for transformative value chain development that can be replicated in other key commodities. This will contribute to building a more self-reliant and resilient economy, reducing external dependency while creating opportunities for youth and women.”

Addressing Food Security and Nutrition

Mozambique faces widespread malnutrition, with child stunting rates as high as 44% in Zambezia province. The project incorporates a strong nutrition component targeting 6,000 beneficiaries through the promotion of biofortified rice varieties rich in iron and zinc.

To address vulnerability to climate shocks and regional security challenges, particularly in northern provinces, RIVACREP also features a Contingency Emergency Response mechanism, enabling rapid support during crises.

Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries will lead project implementation, with safeguards in place to ensure environmental and social protection. RIVACREP supports multiple development objectives aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The project duration spans from December 2025 to December 2030, with a mid-term review in 2028.

The African Development Fund is the concessional arm of the African Development Bank Group, providing grants and soft loans to support development projects in Africa’s most vulnerable countries. The support demonstrates the African Development Bank Group’s renewed commitment to climate resilience, inclusive growth, and value-added agricultural production.

– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Additional images: 
Mozambique flag with a stack of money coins and piles of wheat and rice seeds: https://apo-opa.co/4mKNSjI
African Development Bank Group’s $22.8 Million grant targets 30,000 smallholder farmers across four provinces: https://apo-opa.co/4gNt9dI
Rice Storage Silos in the Rural Town of Chokwe​: https://apo-opa.co/4pLjaKh

Media contact:
Emeka Anuforo
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Source: APO – Report:

African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies announced the winners of the AEW 2025 awards during a ceremony held on Tuesday. Celebrating trailblazers shaping the future of the African energy sector, the awards recognized excellence across the African energy sector.

Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: François Perrodo

François Perrodo was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to positioning Perenco into one of Africa’s most influential energy companies. Under his leadership, Perenco has become synonymous with frontier exploration, responsible production and gas-led development across Central and West Africa.

Mohammed S. Barkindo Lifetime Achievement Award: Adriano Mongini

Adriano Mongini was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for leading Azule Energy through a series of impactful oil and gas projects. From day one, he focused on building Azule not just as Angola’s largest independent oil and gas producer, but as a company that invests in training, local content and national development.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Katrina Fisher

Katrina Fisher was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions towards Africa’s energy sector. She has led ExxonMobil Angola through an ambitious exploration and production drive, while her dedication to STEM has created significant opportunities for youth and women in energy.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Sebastião Gaspar Martins

Sebastião Gaspar Martins secured the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to transforming Angola’s national oil company Sonangol into a competitive operator. His leadership has not only seen the company transition into a major player but has helped shape Angola into one of the continent’s biggest producers.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Haitham Al Ghais

Haitham Al Ghais won the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to Africa. Al Ghais has consistently put Africa at the forefront of global discussions on finance, just transition and sustainable development.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Jubril Adewale Tinubu

Jubril Adewale “Wale” Tinubu was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to building Oando into one of Africa’s leading energy companies. He has carried the company through periods of uncertainty and transformation, growing it into a multinational enterprise that represents African resilience and ambition.

ESG Leader of the Year: ExxonMobil

Recognized for STEM Africa, equipping 3,000+ students and educators with industry-ready skills, aligning social impact with long-term workforce development across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.

Service Provider of the Year: Technip Energies

Awarded for engineering excellence delivering complex LNG, hydrogen and decarbonization projects – from GTA to Rovuma – while maximizing safety, quality and local value creation.

Local Content Champion of the Year: Levene Energies

Awarded for scaling African-led projects anchored in local suppliers, talent pipelines and mentorship, building durable industrial capacity across West Africa.

International Local Content Champion of the Year: Woodside Energy

Awarded for its commitment to capacity building, skills transfer and local empowerment across the countries it operates.

Reformer of the Year: Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria

Awarded for operationalizing the Petroleum Industry Act, modernizing licensing and flexible PSCs – unlocking billions in FIDs, infrastructure progress and transparent, investor-friendly processes.

Exploration & Production Leader of the Year: Azule Energy

Recognized for Agogo FPSO start-up and Angola’s first dedicated gas discovery, boosting production and de-risking Lower Congo Basin potential.

Deal of the Year: Vitol

Celebrated for strategic stakes in Baleine and Congo LNG, enhancing low-carbon upstream exposure and strengthening West and Central African gas positions.

CSR Project of the Year: ConocoPhillips

Honored for two decades of Bioko Island Malaria Elimination Project support – dramatically reducing malaria, strengthening health systems and delivering evidence-based community impact in Equatorial Guinea.

Gas Monetization Strategy: Greater Tortue Ameyim Development

Celebrated for first gas and reaching its commercial operation date for the FLNG vessel in 2025, inaugurating MSGBC LNG exports and a scalable cross-border monetization framework.

– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.