Fans threw bras at Young Jonn during an Abuja Easter concert as the singer delivered a high-energy performance at THISDAY Dome. Nigerian singer Young Jonn delivered a high-energy performance at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during an Easter concert that drew a large and enthusiastic audience. The event, organised by Apitainment, featured several supporting acts before Young Jonn took the stage in the early hours of Monday. His performance marked a continuation of his transition from music producer to frontline artist, as he performed a series of his popular songs. During the show, the atmosphere intensified as fans sang along and engaged actively with the performance. At one point, some female fans threw bras onto the stage. Young Jonn continued performing without interruption, maintaining composure and stage control. The singer closed his set after sustaining audience engagement throughout, reinforcing his growing reputation as a live performer. Source: The Sun Nigeria Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Fans Throw Bras at Young Jonn During Abuja Concert By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Apr 6, 2026 Aug 7, 2026 1 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian singer Young Jonn delivered a high-energy performance at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja during an Easter concert that drew a large and enthusiastic audience. The event, organised by Apitainment, featured several supporting acts before Young Jonn took the stage in the early hours of Monday. His performance marked a continuation of his transition from music producer to frontline artist, as he performed a series of his popular songs. ADVERTISEMENT During the show, the atmosphere intensified as fans sang along and engaged actively with the performance. At one point, some female fans threw bras onto the stage. Young Jonn continued performing without interruption, maintaining composure and stage control. The singer closed his set after sustaining audience engagement throughout, reinforcing his growing reputation as a live performer. ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria Trending Now 2Baba Urges Focus on National Issues, Not His Marriage . Entertainment Bigiano claims he wrote hook for Davido’s ‘Dami Duro’ . Entertainment Tiwa Savage Joins Nigeria’s 800M Spotify Streams Club . Entertainment Adekunle Gold Sets Lagos Homecoming With 55-Piece Orchestra . Entertainment Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Entertainment Sola Allyson Explains Her Transition From Islam to Christianity Singer cites childhood experiences, family shifts and spiritual discovery in her faith journey. . Entertainment Champz Becomes Youngest African Artist to Hit 1M Spotify Listeners Fourteen-year-old Champz sets new streaming milestone weeks after releasing his debut EP. . Fashion Dr Teal’s Marks Year-End With Wellness-Themed Nigerian Owambe Event Brand hosts cultural wellness celebration in Lagos with performances, spa sessions and celebrity guests . Nollywood Updates Tonto Dikeh recounts recovery from smoking, addiction struggles Actress shares testimony at Streams of Joy church on quitting smoking, alcohol and anger . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Investment in skills development is crucial for Africa’s growth potential, according to the OECD. As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes, a significant portion of the global workforce will be African by 2050. However, to harness this potential, the continent needs more jobs and strategic investments focused on its greatest asset: its people. Ragnheiour Elin Arnadottir, director of the OECD Development Centre, highlights the need for enhancing skill development to meet these expectations. In a related development, Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed nearly all his ministers . This drastic move comes as Ruto attempts to manage the repercussions of prolonged anti-government protests. The protests have posed significant challenges to his administration, prompting a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle. Meanwhile, in the Central African Republic, a new competitor has entered the beer market. This new contender is adopting aggressive strategies to capture the attention of local drinkers, marking a dynamic shift in the region’s beverage industry. These developments underscore the diverse and evolving challenges and opportunities across the African continent. Skills development remains a pivotal factor for fut ure growth, while political and economic changes continue to shape the region's landscape. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jul 12, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Investment in skills development is crucial for Africa’s growth potential, according to the OECD. As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes, a significant portion of the global workforce will be African by 2050. However, to harness this potential, the continent needs more jobs and strategic investments focused on its greatest asset: its people. Ragnheiour Elin Arnadottir, director of the OECD Development Centre, highlights the need for enhancing skill development to meet these expectations. ADVERTISEMENT In a related development, Kenyan President William Ruto has dismissed nearly all his ministers . This drastic move comes as Ruto attempts to manage the repercussions of prolonged anti-government protests. The protests have posed significant challenges to his administration, prompting a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, in the Central African Republic, a new competitor has entered the beer market. This new contender is adopting aggressive strategies to capture the attention of local drinkers, marking a dynamic shift in the region’s beverage industry. These developments underscore the diverse and evolving challenges and opportunities across the African continent. Skills development remains a pivotal factor for fut ure growth, while political and economic changes continue to shape the region's landscape. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

Rapper Riderman says critics who mocked his genre-blending music now embrace similar styles, reflecting shifts in Rwanda’s rap scene. Rwandan rapper Riderman says artists who once criticized him for blending rap with other music genres have since adopted the same approach. Speaking during an appearance on IGIHE Sports Club, Riderman reflected on criticism he faced more than a decade ago, when Rwanda’s rap scene strongly favored traditional hip-hop. At the time, artists who mixed rap with genres such as Afrobeats and reggae were often dismissed by peers. Riderman said the criticism created pressure but did not influence his artistic direction. He explained that he remained focused on his goals and continued producing music across different styles, confident in his creative vision. He noted that many of the artists who once criticized him are now producing genre-blended music themselves. According to Riderman, this shift highlights how musical trends and attitudes within Rwanda’s music industry have evolved over time. Asked whether the criticism ever made him consider changing his approach, Riderman said it did not. He added that his albums still feature a variety of musical styles and that resistance only motivated him to continue experimenting. Riderman has been active in Rwanda’s music industry for nearly 20 years and is regarded as one of the country’s leading rap artists. He said he plans to hold a concert later this year to celebrate his career milestones. Source IGIHE Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Riderman Says Critics of His Genre Mixing Have Come Around By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Feb 4, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Rwandan rapper Riderman says artists who once criticized him for blending rap with other music genres have since adopted the same approach. Speaking during an appearance on IGIHE Sports Club, Riderman reflected on criticism he faced more than a decade ago, when Rwanda’s rap scene strongly favored traditional hip-hop. At the time, artists who mixed rap with genres such as Afrobeats and reggae were often dismissed by peers. ADVERTISEMENT Riderman said the criticism created pressure but did not influence his artistic direction. He explained that he remained focused on his goals and continued producing music across different styles, confident in his creative vision. He noted that many of the artists who once criticized him are now producing genre-blended music themselves. According to Riderman, this shift highlights how musical trends and attitudes within Rwanda’s music industry have evolved over time. ADVERTISEMENT Asked whether the criticism ever made him consider changing his approach, Riderman said it did not. He added that his albums still feature a variety of musical styles and that resistance only motivated him to continue experimenting. Riderman has been active in Rwanda’s music industry for nearly 20 years and is regarded as one of the country’s leading rap artists. He said he plans to hold a concert later this year to celebrate his career milestones. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source IGIHE ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rwandan Entertainment Rwanda Rwanda

DRC plans an April international tender to modernize key Lobito Corridor rail sections, with works due to start in Q4 2026. The Democratic Republic of Congo says it will launch an international tender in April for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo railway section, a central link in the Lobito Corridor connecting the DRC Copperbelt to Angola ’s Atlantic port infrastructure. The announcement was made in Luanda during a high-level coordination meeting convened by Angola on February 5, bringing together officials from Angola, the DRC, and Zambia , alongside technical and financial partners. Speaking at the meeting, DRC Deputy Prime Minister for Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo outlined Kinshasa’s operational priorities for getting the corridor functioning reliably, including a focus on near-term repairs and a clearer financing pathway for larger upgrades. Angola has framed the February 5 gathering as part of a new coordination mechanism intended to accelerate implementation across participating states and partners. Bemba pointed to ongoing emergency rehabilitation works on the Kolwezi–Dilolo stretch targeting roughly 80 km of critical areas to improve reliability and keep traffic moving between Tenke, Kolwezi, and the Lobito export route. He also highlighted institutional reforms intended to structure the corridor delivery through a public-private partnership (PPP) aligned with international standards, an effort aimed at making the project bankable and executable at scale. Financing and studies: where the corridor stands On the planning side, Bemba said studies for the Tenke–Sakania section are at an advanced stage with support from the World Bank, which the DRC has described as a lead arranger for its financing approach. In recent reporting on the corridor, the DRC has also discussed seeking $500 million in World Bank support for its Lobito-linked rail priorities. The key near-term step is the April tender for Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo. Bemba said the works are scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2026, setting a clear timeline for contractors, lenders and corridor stakeholders to align around. DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, who attended alongside Bemba, used the Luanda meeting to encourage additional financial partners to co-finance Phase 2 covering the Tenke–Lubumbashi–Sakania section and related corridor projects. Why this tender matters Continue Reading Full Article ECONOMIC REPORTS DRC to Launch Tender for Lobito Corridor Rail Upgrade By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Feb 6, 2026 May 15, 2026 3 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The Democratic Republic of Congo says it will launch an international tender in April for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo railway section, a central link in the Lobito Corridor connecting the DRC Copperbelt to Angola ’s Atlantic port infrastructure. The announcement was made in Luanda during a high-level coordination meeting convened by Angola on February 5, bringing together officials from Angola, the DRC, and Zambia , alongside technical and financial partners. Speaking at the meeting, DRC Deputy Prime Minister for Transport Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo outlined Kinshasa’s operational priorities for getting the corridor functioning reliably, including a focus on near-term repairs and a clearer financing pathway for larger upgrades. Angola has framed the February 5 gathering as part of a new coordination mechanism intended to accelerate implementation across participating states and partners. ADVERTISEMENT Bemba pointed to ongoing emergency rehabilitation works on the Kolwezi–Dilolo stretch targeting roughly 80 km of critical areas to improve reliability and keep traffic moving between Tenke, Kolwezi, and the Lobito export route. He also highlighted institutional reforms intended to structure the corridor delivery through a public-private partnership (PPP) aligned with international standards, an effort aimed at making the project bankable and executable at scale. Financing and studies: where the corridor stands On the planning side, Bemba said studies for the Tenke–Sakania section are at an advanced stage with support from the World Bank, which the DRC has described as a lead arranger for its financing approach. In recent reporting on the corridor, the DRC has also discussed seeking $500 million in World Bank support for its Lobito-linked rail priorities. ADVERTISEMENT The key near-term step is the April tender for Tenke–Kolwezi–Dilolo. Bemba said the works are scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2026, setting a clear timeline for contractors, lenders and corridor stakeholders to align around. DRC Finance Minister Doudou Fwamba, who attended alongside Bemba, used the Luanda meeting to encourage additional financial partners to co-finance Phase 2 covering the Tenke–Lubumbashi–Sakania section and related corridor projects. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan . Infrastructure Grand Inga Moves Forward as RDC-US Committee Meets in Paris . ADVERTISEMENT Why this tender matters The Lobito Corridor is designed to shorten and stabilize logistics between mineral-producing areas in southern DRC and export infrastructure on the Atlantic coast, with the broader railway platform positioned as a regional trade route linking Angola and the DRC (and potentially onward to Zambia). ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid DR Congo opens a UK investment forum in London with nearly 90 British investors, seeking partnerships . Economic Policies DR Congo and Russia Establish Permanent Economic Commission A new bilateral commission will coordinate trade, technology, technical cooperation... . Economic Reports DRC Exits FATF Grey List After Completing Reform Plan The October 30 decision recognizes reforms to combat money laundering and strengthen.... . Tags DRC Economy DRC Economy DR.Congo DR.Congo Invest In Congo Invest In Congo DRC Peace Efforts DRC Peace Efforts Lobito Corridor Projects Lobito Corridor Projects

Global calls for slavery reparations grow as Ghana says France is open to dialogue after Macron meeting. The global debate over reparations for transatlantic slavery is intensifying, with new diplomatic signals emerging after Ghana said France is open to dialogue on the issue following talks between President John Dramani Mahama and French President Emmanuel Macron as cited by Reuters . The discussions, held in Paris last week, come amid growing international pressure led by African and Caribbean nations seeking accountability for centuries of exploitation. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said France indicated a willingness to engage in “open and honest dialogue,” potentially covering areas such as the return of looted artefacts, economic inequalities and structural racism. While French officials confirmed that talks included efforts to return culturally significant objects and human remains, they did not explicitly endorse broader reparations measures. The cautious tone reflects a wider European stance, where acknowledgment of historical responsibility has not translated into formal compensation frameworks. Momentum for reparations has been building globally, particularly after a Ghana -led resolution at the United Nations last month formally recognized slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and called for reparative justice. However, France and several European countries abstained, citing concerns about how such resolutions frame historical crimes. The issue remains deeply contested. France recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001, yet like most European nations, it has not issued a formal apology or committed to reparations. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, with France responsible for an estimated 1.3 million of those enslaved. As calls for reparations gain traction, they are increasingly shaping diplomatic relations between Africa and Europe, highlighting unresolved historical grievances while raising complex legal, political and economic questions about accountability in the modern era. Continue Reading Full Article DRC PEACE EFFORT WHY slavery reparations debate is gaining global momentum By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Apr 14, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: The global debate over reparations for transatlantic slavery is intensifying, with new diplomatic signals emerging after Ghana said France is open to dialogue on the issue following talks between President John Dramani Mahama and French President Emmanuel Macron as cited by Reuters . The discussions, held in Paris last week, come amid growing international pressure led by African and Caribbean nations seeking accountability for centuries of exploitation. Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said France indicated a willingness to engage in “open and honest dialogue,” potentially covering areas such as the return of looted artefacts, economic inequalities and structural racism. ADVERTISEMENT While French officials confirmed that talks included efforts to return culturally significant objects and human remains, they did not explicitly endorse broader reparations measures. The cautious tone reflects a wider European stance, where acknowledgment of historical responsibility has not translated into formal compensation frameworks. Momentum for reparations has been building globally, particularly after a Ghana -led resolution at the United Nations last month formally recognized slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and called for reparative justice. However, France and several European countries abstained, citing concerns about how such resolutions frame historical crimes. The issue remains deeply contested. France recognized transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001, yet like most European nations, it has not issued a formal apology or committed to reparations. Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, with France responsible for an estimated 1.3 million of those enslaved. ADVERTISEMENT As calls for reparations gain traction, they are increasingly shaping diplomatic relations between Africa and Europe, highlighting unresolved historical grievances while raising complex legal, political and economic questions about accountability in the modern era. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals . Business & Investment Ghana textile policy: from investment targets to factory work . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Job & Opportunity Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs Certificate recognition could widen opportunities, but hiring and Canadian approvals remain separate. . Tech Trends Mahama Backs TraffiTech, Calls for Speed-Camera Warning Signs President defends road-safety cameras as drivers question fines, signage and road conditions. . Transport and Logistics Ghana Transport Shutdown Claim: What Is Confirmed? Operators threatened to park vehicles over TraffiTech-GH; a nationwide stoppage is unconfirmed. . Community Safety TraffiTech-GH Motorist Guide: Tickets, Payments and Appeals How to check a traffic notice, review the evidence and respond within the stated deadline. . Tags Ghana Ghana African Independence African Independence African Union African Union African Languages African Languages Pan-Africanism Pan-Africanism Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi African History African History African Development Bank African Development Bank African Diaspora African Diaspora

Rema and Damson Idris are nominated for Netizens’ Choice Magazine’s 2026 Most Handsome Man Alive list. Nigerian music star Rema and British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris have been nominated for the 2026 “Most Handsome Man Alive” award by Netizens’ Choice Magazine . The announcement places both entertainers among a select group of globally admired male celebrities The nominations were revealed on the magazine’s social media platforms and highlight public figures who have gained international recognition not only for their talent but also for their appeal and public image Rema, known as an Afro-rave pioneer under Mavin Records, has risen to global prominence with chart-topping singles such as “Calm Down” and performances on major international stages . His inclusion on the 2026 list reflects his expanding influence beyond music, with fans actively supporting his nomination online Damson Idris, widely recognised for his roles in television and film, also earned a place on the list. The British-Nigerian actor has built a strong reputation in Hollywood, with his performances receiving global praise Other nominees include internationally recognised names such as Chris Evans , South Korean pop stars Jeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung , and American singer Bad Bunny, underscoring the diversity and global reach of the annual selection The recognition further highlights the growing international visibility of Nigerian talent across music and film. Source: The Sun Nigeria, Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Rema, Damson Idris Make 2026 Most Handsome List By Witty Pascal Entertainment Editor Witty Pascal Home Comment Mar 2, 2026 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nigerian music star Rema and British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris have been nominated for the 2026 “Most Handsome Man Alive” award by Netizens’ Choice Magazine . The announcement places both entertainers among a select group of globally admired male celebrities The nominations were revealed on the magazine’s social media platforms and highlight public figures who have gained international recognition not only for their talent but also for their appeal and public image Rema, known as an Afro-rave pioneer under Mavin Records, has risen to global prominence with chart-topping singles such as “Calm Down” and performances on major international stages ADVERTISEMENT . His inclusion on the 2026 list reflects his expanding influence beyond music, with fans actively supporting his nomination online Damson Idris, widely recognised for his roles in television and film, also earned a place on the list. The British-Nigerian actor has built a strong reputation in Hollywood, with his performances receiving global praise ADVERTISEMENT Other nominees include internationally recognised names such as Chris Evans , South Korean pop stars Jeon Jungkook and Kim Taehyung , and American singer Bad Bunny, underscoring the diversity and global reach of the annual selection The recognition further highlights the growing international visibility of Nigerian talent across music and film. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT Source: The Sun Nigeria, ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

In a significant turn of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the strategic town of Kanyabayonga has fallen to M23 rebels. Located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, this town's capture follows intense fighting on June 28 between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army, supported by local armed groups. The Rwandan-backed rebels, armed with heavy weapons, entered Kanyabayonga late in the evening after the Congolese forces and their allies withdrew. The battle resulted in at least two civilian deaths and five injuries. The fall of Kanyabayonga is particularly significant as it was the last major defensive position in the northern part of North Kivu province. This development paves the way for the rebels to advance towards other key cities in the region, including Butembo and Beni. The strategic importance of Kanyabayonga, a town of over 60,000 inhabitants, lies in its facilitation of rebel mobility, enabling them to move more freely to other critical areas. This capture comes shortly after a visit from Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and on the eve of President Felix Tshisekedi’s address to the nation on Independence Day. Residents have confirmed the presence of M23 fighters in the town, with civil society in the Lubero area corroborating these reports. The M23 rebels' advance now threatens the city of Kayina, home to about 30,000 people, and potentially Lubero-centre, before possibly targeting Butembo, a city with a population of approximately one million. The journey from Kanyabayonga to Butembo takes only five hours by motorbike, highlighting the rebels' enhanced mobility. The humanitarian situation in the region has become increasingly dire. The conflict has led to a surge in displaced persons from areas such as Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale. These displaced individuals are either being hosted by local families or are sheltering in schools and public buildings. The crisis has reached a point where even humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid. For instance, the International Committee of the Red Cross halted food aid distribution to displaced people along the Kanyabayonga-Burangiza and Bulindi axis in the Bwito-Rutshuru chiefdom at the end of May due to the deteriorating conditions. By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Jun 29, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: In a significant turn of events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the strategic town of Kanyabayonga has fallen to M23 rebels. Located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, this town's capture follows intense fighting on June 28 between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army, supported by local armed groups. The Rwandan-backed rebels, armed with heavy weapons, entered Kanyabayonga late in the evening after the Congolese forces and their allies withdrew. The battle resulted in at least two civilian deaths and five injuries. The fall of Kanyabayonga is particularly significant as it was the last major defensive position in the northern part of North Kivu province. This development paves the way for the rebels to advance towards other key cities in the region, including Butembo and Beni. The strategic importance of Kanyabayonga, a town of over 60,000 inhabitants, lies in its facilitation of rebel mobility, enabling them to move more freely to other critical areas. ADVERTISEMENT This capture comes shortly after a visit from Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and on the eve of President Felix Tshisekedi’s address to the nation on Independence Day. Residents have confirmed the presence of M23 fighters in the town, with civil society in the Lubero area corroborating these reports. The M23 rebels' advance now threatens the city of Kayina, home to about 30,000 people, and potentially Lubero-centre, before possibly targeting Butembo, a city with a population of approximately one million. The journey from Kanyabayonga to Butembo takes only five hours by motorbike, highlighting the rebels' enhanced mobility. The humanitarian situation in the region has become increasingly dire. ADVERTISEMENT The conflict has led to a surge in displaced persons from areas such as Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale. These displaced individuals are either being hosted by local families or are sheltering in schools and public buildings. The crisis has reached a point where even humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid. For instance, the International Committee of the Red Cross halted food aid distribution to displaced people along the Kanyabayonga-Burangiza and Bulindi axis in the Bwito-Rutshuru chiefdom at the end of May due to the deteriorating conditions. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags

DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner Calls on the UK and Global Partners to Act Against Rwanda’s War Crimes As violence escalates in eastern Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s top diplomat is turning global outrage into a call for action. In an interview with Sky News, Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the United Kingdom and international community to impose firm, targeted sanctions against Rwanda’s leadership, warning that continued inaction risks legitimising war crimes and economic looting. “We need sanctions, firm sanctions, and nd when we speak of sanctions, we do not speak of sanctions that target the Rwandan population, but sanctions that actually target the Rwandan leadership, the chain of command, and the financial networks behind this aggression.” Accountability Must Follow the Chain of Command Minister Wagner outlined the legal basis for international accountability, referencing well-documented UN findings linking the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) directly to the M23 rebel group operating in eastern DRC. “There is clear evidence connecting the Rwandan army to M23, and from M23 directly back to decision-makers in Kigali. There must be accountability along that chain of command. There is legal precedent for that, in the DRC and elsewhere.” According to Wagner, such accountability is not just moral, but necessary for deterrence: “If impunity continues, then violence becomes a strategy, not a crime.” “Rwanda Has No Mines, Only Congo’s Minerals” The Minister then turned to the economic enablers of war, calling for an international ban on the export of Rwandan minerals. Continue Reading Full Article JUSTICE & CRIME DRC FM Calls on Global Partners to Act Against Rwanda’s War Crimes By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Nov 26, 2025 May 15, 2026 5 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: As violence escalates in eastern Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s top diplomat is turning global outrage into a call for action. In an interview with Sky News, Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner urged the United Kingdom and international community to impose firm, targeted sanctions against Rwanda’s leadership, warning that continued inaction risks legitimising war crimes and economic looting. “We need sanctions, firm sanctions, and nd when we speak of sanctions, we do not speak of sanctions that target the Rwandan population, but sanctions that actually target the Rwandan leadership, the chain of command, and the financial networks behind this aggression.” Accountability Must Follow the Chain of Command Minister Wagner outlined the legal basis for international accountability, referencing well-documented UN findings linking the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) directly to the M23 rebel group operating in eastern DRC. “There is clear evidence connecting the Rwandan army to M23, and from M23 directly back to decision-makers in Kigali. There must be accountability along that chain of command. There is legal precedent for that, in the DRC and elsewhere.” According to Wagner, such accountability is not just moral, but necessary for deterrence: “If impunity continues, then violence becomes a strategy, not a crime.” ADVERTISEMENT “Rwanda Has No Mines, Only Congo’s Minerals” The Minister then turned to the economic enablers of war, calling for an international ban on the export of Rwandan minerals. “Rwanda presents itself as a mineral exporter. Yet, there are no significant mines in Rwanda. None. These minerals come from the DRC, extracted in zones under occupation, through violence and exploitation.” She demanded that global markets enforce traceability laws to prevent the sale of “blood minerals” disguised as Rwandan exports. “There is precedent for banning conflict minerals from reaching the world market. The same must now apply to Rwanda.” “Rwanda Killed Peacekeepers, and Still Wears the UN Badge” Wagner exposed another contradiction that has stunned African observers and international diplomats alike: Rwanda’s status as one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, despite its forces being implicated in the killing of peacekeepers. Over 3,000 civilians were killed when the Rwandan army attacked Goma. Among the dead were 17 UN peacekeepers, from South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, and Uruguay, killed by the Rwandan Defence Forces and M23.” ADVERTISEMENT She then posed a haunting question to the global conscience: “How can a country that kills peacekeepers still be allowed to wear the blue helmet of the United Nations? How can that status remain untouched?” The DRC government is now pressing for Rwanda’s suspension or review as a UN troop contributor, citing gross violations of international humanitarian law. When asked whether these demands had been formally conveyed to the British government, Wagner confirmed: “Yes, I have spoken to the UK government directly. We need coordinated sanctions, not symbolic statements. Lives depend on it.” “Peace Requires Consequences” The minister’s intervention marks a new phase in Congo’s diplomatic campaign , one that blends justice, economics, and ethics. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews . | Economy DRC Opens London Forum Seeking Partnerships, Not Aid . ADVERTISEMENT Her message, like President Tshisekedi’s at recent summits, is blunt: “Peace without accountability rewards the aggressor. Sanctions without enforcement reward the criminal. The time for half-measures is over.” Bottom Line: Kinshasa’s strategy is now unmistakable: transform moral outrage into legal action, expose Rwanda’s mineral fraud on the global stage, and demand that international institutions stop legitimising a regime that kills civilians and peacekeepers alike. “We ask not for sympathy, but for justice.” Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner Minister of Foreign Affairs, Democratic Republic of Congo ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Policy and Reforms US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty Will Democrats support Kagame after the 2026 midterms? Blinken's statements, Biden's Rwanda policy . War in Eastern DRC Muyaya: Congo's War Has Nothing to Do With the Constitution In London, the DRC government spokesperson rejects constitutional politics as a cause of the eastern . Infrastructure DRC Signs Contracts to Modernise 13 Airports, First Deliveries in 2028 Four firms will rebuild runways and terminals from Kalemie to Muanda under a Treasury-funded plan . Economic Reports DRC and IMF Reach Staff-Level Deal on Programme Reviews Board vote set for December; minister says up to $771 million could follow if approved . Tags DR.Congo DR.Congo Thérèse Kayikwamba Thérèse Kayikwamba

DRC raises $1.25B in its first Eurobond, with strong investor demand signaling confidence in reforms, growth potential, and global market entry When the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened its first-ever Eurobond books on 9 April 2026, investors responded with an appetite that few might have predicted for a nation still grappling with conflict and infrastructure deficits. The resource‑rich country raised US$1.25 billion in a dual‑tranche deal, marking its maiden foray into international capital markets. For a government long reliant on donor support and mining revenues, the sale is both a financial milestone and a vote of confidence that Kinshasa’s reforms are beginning to resonate beyond its borders. The issuance was split into a US$600 million bond due in 2032 at a yield of 8.75% and a US$650 million bond due in 2037 at 9.50%, both amortising instruments. Initial guidance of around 9.125 % and 10 % was tightened after orders exceeded US$2 billion and US$2.8 billion for the two tranches, respectively. The government had initially contemplated raising about US$750 million, suggesting investor demand allowed the offering to be upsized. Finance minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Libotayi hailed the bond as a significant step towards financing priority infrastructure and social‑sector projects under a broader US$1.5 billion programme. A signal of investor confidence In the context of frontier‑market finance, the oversubscription speaks volumes. DRC’s yield levels were competitive: Angola paid 9.5 % for its Eurobond in 2025, and Congo‑Brazzaville paid 9.875 % in November 2025, yet Kinshasa, a debut issuer, achieved slightly better terms. Investors were attracted by the country’s low public‑debt ratio — 18 %–22 % of gross domestic product according to French Treasury and Coface estimates, and the prospect of capitalising on vast cobalt and copper reserves at a time when global demand for battery metals is surging. A positive outlook from S&P Global earlier this year underscored improved macro‑economic management, while a recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran helped stabilise emerging‑market borrowing costs. The central bank governor and the finance ministry orchestrated the sale with help from Citi, Standard Chartered, and local lender Rawbank. Orders came from a wide range of institutional investors, signalling that the market is prepared to treat the DRC as a credible borrower. For Kinshasa, the deal opens the door to becoming a regular sovereign issuer, diversifying funding sources beyond concessional loans and Chinese credit lines. Market access The deal marks a broader strategic shift. For decades, the DRC’s budget depended heavily on multilateral aid and royalties from its mining industry. Access to international bond markets offers a path to fund infrastructure without pledging resource collateral. Officials have made clear that proceeds will be channelled into growth‑enhancing projects such as roads, electricity, and social services. If executed well, these investments could reduce logistical bottlenecks that have long hampered the mining sector and limit the economy’s vulnerability to commodity cycles. This historic issuance also positions the DRC within a global race to secure critical minerals. The United States and its allies are keen to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, and Kinshasa has signed a strategic minerals deal with Washington that promises investment and security cooperation. By demonstrating that it can raise funds on commercial terms, the DRC strengthens its bargaining power in negotiations with foreign partners and signals a willingness to align with international financial norms. Reforms underpinning the milestone Continue Reading Full Article REGIONAL ECONOMY DRC Secures $1.25 Billion in Landmark Eurobond By Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Political Analyst Serge Kitoko Tshibanda Home Comment Apr 10, 2026 May 15, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: When the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) opened its first-ever Eurobond books on 9 April 2026, investors responded with an appetite that few might have predicted for a nation still grappling with conflict and infrastructure deficits. The resource‑rich country raised US$1.25 billion in a dual‑tranche deal, marking its maiden foray into international capital markets. For a government long reliant on donor support and mining revenues, the sale is both a financial milestone and a vote of confidence that Kinshasa’s reforms are beginning to resonate beyond its borders. The issuance was split into a US$600 million bond due in 2032 at a yield of 8.75% and a US$650 million bond due in 2037 at 9.50%, both amortising instruments. Initial guidance of around 9.125 % and 10 % was tightened after orders exceeded US$2 billion and US$2.8 billion for the two tranches, respectively. The government had initially contemplated raising about US$750 million, suggesting investor demand allowed the offering to be upsized. Finance minister Doudou Fwamba Likunde Libotayi hailed the bond as a significant step towards financing priority infrastructure and social‑sector projects under a broader US$1.5 billion programme. A signal of investor confidence In the context of frontier‑market finance, the oversubscription speaks volumes. DRC’s yield levels were competitive: Angola paid 9.5 % for its Eurobond in 2025, and Congo‑Brazzaville paid 9.875 % in November 2025, yet Kinshasa, a debut issuer, achieved slightly better terms. Investors were attracted by the country’s low public‑debt ratio — 18 %–22 % of gross domestic product according to French Treasury and Coface estimates, and the prospect of capitalising on vast cobalt and copper reserves at a time when global demand for battery metals is surging. A positive outlook from S&P Global earlier this year underscored improved macro‑economic management, while a recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran helped stabilise emerging‑market borrowing costs. ADVERTISEMENT The central bank governor and the finance ministry orchestrated the sale with help from Citi, Standard Chartered, and local lender Rawbank. Orders came from a wide range of institutional investors, signalling that the market is prepared to treat the DRC as a credible borrower. For Kinshasa, the deal opens the door to becoming a regular sovereign issuer, diversifying funding sources beyond concessional loans and Chinese credit lines. Market access The deal marks a broader strategic shift. For decades, the DRC’s budget depended heavily on multilateral aid and royalties from its mining industry. Access to international bond markets offers a path to fund infrastructure without pledging resource collateral. Officials have made clear that proceeds will be channelled into growth‑enhancing projects such as roads, electricity, and social services. If executed well, these investments could reduce logistical bottlenecks that have long hampered the mining sector and limit the economy’s vulnerability to commodity cycles. This historic issuance also positions the DRC within a global race to secure critical minerals. The United States and its allies are keen to reduce dependence on Chinese supply chains, and Kinshasa has signed a strategic minerals deal with Washington that promises investment and security cooperation. By demonstrating that it can raise funds on commercial terms, the DRC strengthens its bargaining power in negotiations with foreign partners and signals a willingness to align with international financial norms. ADVERTISEMENT Reforms underpinning the milestone Investors’ willingness to buy DRC debt is partly the result of incremental reforms under President Félix Tshisekedi. The administration secured a US$2.77 billion programme from the International Monetary Fund, which requires improvements in tax collection, public‑finance management, and governance. Authorities have also introduced a modern budget law and are digitising revenue administration. S&P Global cited robust growth prospects and improvements in foreign reserves and tax collection when it upgraded the DRC’s outlook. The finance minister argues that these reforms, combined with stronger foreign‑exchange reserves and prudent debt management, were key in convincing investors to subscribe to the bond. Opportunity with responsibility The DRC’s landmark Eurobond is a watershed moment. It demonstrates that even a country with a history of instability can tap global markets when it offers a compelling economic story and enacts credible reforms. The appetite shown by investors provides an opportunity for Kinshasa to accelerate development and reduce its dependence on aid. Yet the moment comes with responsibility: the government must deliver on infrastructure commitments, maintain fiscal discipline, and foster stability in its troubled eastern regions. If these conditions are met, the US$1.25 billion raised in April could prove to be the foundation for a sustained re‑engagement with international capital and a catalyst for broader economic transformation. If not, it may be remembered as a missed opportunity and a cautionary lesson for other frontier issuers. Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Justice & Crime Inside DRC’s Operation to Bring Denise Dusauchoy to Kinshasa . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu . Biography DJ Maphorisa Biography: Age, Real Name, Songs & Amapiano Rise . ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Justice & Crime Inside DRC’s Operation to Bring Denise Dusauchoy to Kinshasa How a DRC warrant, Tanzanian cooperation and a reported private jet brought Denise Dusauchoy . Rwanda Politics Kagame Sides With Journalist Against His Own Foreign Minister Kagame said Olivier Nduhungirehe, not journalist Scovia Umutesi, should have apologized. . Natural Disasters Guinea Landfill Landslide Kills 30 as Search Continues Rescuers are searching for survivors after a massive waste collapse buried homes in Conakry. . Justice & Crime Niger Governor Orders Rescue of Worshippers Abducted in Borgu Governor Bago orders intensified rescue efforts as officials verify how many worshippers were abducted. . Tags Trending News Trending News DR.Congo DR.Congo Invest In Congo Invest In Congo DR Congo Investment DR Congo Investment Felix Tshisekedi Felix Tshisekedi

Funke Akindele has drawn mixed reactions over birthday posts shared on the day veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’ was buried in Ilaro. Nollywood star Funke Akindele's birthday celebration has sparked debate online after some social-media users questioned the timing of her celebratory posts on the same day veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried. Others defended Akindele, arguing that she was entitled to celebrate her birthday. Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is at the centre of a social-media debate after sharing posts celebrating her birthday on Monday, the same day veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan "Ogogo" was laid to rest in Ogun State. Punch reported on the online reaction , noting that some users considered the celebratory posts inappropriate given the timing of Ogogo's burial, while others rejected the criticism and defended Akindele's right to mark her birthday. The discussion quickly gained attention across Nigerian social media, bringing together two major entertainment conversations unfolding on August 24: Akindele's birthday and the industry's farewell to Ogogo. Birthday Celebration Divides Social-Media Users Akindele's birthday naturally attracted messages from fans, colleagues and followers celebrating the filmmaker and actress. However, some users questioned whether she should have publicly celebrated while the Nigerian film industry was mourning Ogogo. The criticism was not universal. Other social-media users argued that a birthday and a burial are separate personal events, and that Akindele should not be condemned for celebrating another year of her life because a colleague was being buried on the same date. That divide turned what would ordinarily have been a celebrity birthday celebration into a wider conversation about mourning, respect and expectations placed on public figures during periods of grief in the entertainment industry. Continue Reading Full Article ENTERTAINMENT Funke Akindele Faces Mixed Reactions Over Birthday Post By Neema Asha Mwakalinga Travel & Culture Expert Neema Asha Mwakalinga Home Comment Aug 24, 2026 Aug 24, 2026 4 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Nollywood star Funke Akindele's birthday celebration has sparked debate online after some social-media users questioned the timing of her celebratory posts on the same day veteran Yoruba actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, was buried. Others defended Akindele, arguing that she was entitled to celebrate her birthday. Nigerian actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele is at the centre of a social-media debate after sharing posts celebrating her birthday on Monday, the same day veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan "Ogogo" was laid to rest in Ogun State. Punch reported on the online reaction , noting that some users considered the celebratory posts inappropriate given the timing of Ogogo's burial, while others rejected the criticism and defended Akindele's right to mark her birthday. The discussion quickly gained attention across Nigerian social media, bringing together two major entertainment conversations unfolding on August 24: Akindele's birthday and the industry's farewell to Ogogo. Birthday Celebration Divides Social-Media Users Akindele's birthday naturally attracted messages from fans, colleagues and followers celebrating the filmmaker and actress. However, some users questioned whether she should have publicly celebrated while the Nigerian film industry was mourning Ogogo. ADVERTISEMENT The criticism was not universal. Other social-media users argued that a birthday and a burial are separate personal events, and that Akindele should not be condemned for celebrating another year of her life because a colleague was being buried on the same date. That divide turned what would ordinarily have been a celebrity birthday celebration into a wider conversation about mourning, respect and expectations placed on public figures during periods of grief in the entertainment industry. Ogogo Laid to Rest in Ilaro Ogogo's burial was independently confirmed by the Nigerian Television Authority , which reported that the veteran Yoruba actor was laid to rest in his hometown of Ilaro, Ogun State, on Monday, August 24. ADVERTISEMENT The actor died on Sunday, August 23, at the age of 66 after battling stage-four cancer. His death followed days of public concern about his health. Earlier in August, his daughters had appealed for medical assistance as his condition worsened, prompting actors and other figures in Nollywood to rally around the family. Ogogo spent more than four decades in the Yoruba film industry and became one of its most recognizable veteran performers. Debate Runs Alongside Industry Mourning The timing of Akindele's birthday posts meant that celebrations surrounding one of Nollywood's biggest contemporary stars unfolded alongside tributes to one of Yoruba cinema's best-known veterans. That contrast helped drive the online conversation. Trending Now Regina Daniels Says She Won’t Consider Marriage Again . Nollywood Updates Pastor Adeboye Explains Why He Stopped Having Female Secretaries . Celebrity Trends Etinosa Idemudia Responds to ‘Secret Keeper’ YouTube Removal . Nollywood Updates Davido Purchases Matching Luxury Watches for Himself and Chioma . Entertainment Popular Today Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars . Entertainment FOLA Leads 2026 Headies Nominations Ahead of Toronto . ADVERTISEMENT While critics questioned the optics of celebrating publicly on Ogogo's burial day, Akindele's defenders argued that there was no basis for expecting her to cancel or suppress her birthday celebration. The reaction therefore remains mixed rather than universally critical. The controversy also reflects the intense scrutiny surrounding major Nigerian celebrities, whose social-media activity can quickly become part of wider public conversations extending beyond the original post. As tributes continue for Ogogo and birthday messages continue for Akindele, both names remain prominent in Nigeria's entertainment conversation --- but for very different reasons. ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Biography Poco Lee Biography: Age, Real Name, Dance Career and Songs Inside the Nigerian dancer’s rise from Ojo street shows to Afrobeats stages, music and global fame. . Biography Eric Omondi Biography: Comedy, Activism and Public Life How Eric Omondi rose through Churchill Show and became a prominent Kenyan activist. . Biography Who Is Snit Habteab, Eritrea’s Miss World Trailblazer? The neuroscientist and educator became Eritrea’s first Miss World entrant and reached the Top 6 . Entertainment Poco Lee UK Case Sparks Consent Debate Among Nigerian Stars The dancer faces five sexual offence charges and returns to court on September 15. . Tags Entertainment Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigerian Entertainment Nigeria Nigeria

Who is Anthony Kila? A verified profile of the MCIU pro-chancellor, his career, and the dispute over his professor and Jean Monnet titles. Anthony A. Kila is a Nigerian political economist, public commentator and MCIU pro-chancellor. MCIU also identifies him as CIAPS Institute Director General. His public use of “professor” and “Jean Monnet professor” is disputed after a Premium Times investigation published on 3 October 2026. Why Anthony Kila is in the news Anthony Kila became the focus of renewed public interest on 3 October 2026 after Premium Times published an investigation into the academic titles used in his public profiles. The newspaper reported that its checks found no recognised academic institution that awarded him a professorial rank. Kila told the newspaper that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, or ECAPS, awarded him a professorship in 2016. Premium Times said its searches in UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other public records found no trace of the institution beyond references in his profiles. The article also examined his use of “Jean Monnet professor.” The European Commission’s official description of Jean Monnet Chairs says a higher education institution applies to host the position and the chair holder must be a permanent professor at that institution. Premium Times reported that the programme’s administering agency found no record of Kila as a Jean Monnet project coordinator in the public directory from 2015 onward. It added that Kila confirmed he was not associated with the Jean Monnet Actions programme. These findings concern the titles attached to Kila’s name. They do not erase the public-facing work and institutional roles that can be separately documented. Career and current positions Kila’s current public profile is built around education administration, policy analysis and commentary. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University lists him as its pro-chancellor and as Institute Director General at the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, usually shortened to CIAPS. The university announced his appointment in August 2025. The Guardian reported that the appointment letter was signed by the university’s visitor, Cecilia Ibru, and registrar, T. Kolo. As pro-chancellor, Kila chairs the governing council. Continue Reading Full Article BIOGRAPHY Who Is Anthony Kila? Career and Professor-Title Dispute By Truce Elikia Art & Culture Journalist Truce Elikia Home Comment Oct 4, 2026 Oct 4, 2026 7 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: Anthony A. Kila is a Nigerian political economist, public commentator and MCIU pro-chancellor. MCIU also identifies him as CIAPS Institute Director General. His public use of “professor” and “Jean Monnet professor” is disputed after a Premium Times investigation published on 3 October 2026. Why Anthony Kila is in the news Anthony Kila became the focus of renewed public interest on 3 October 2026 after Premium Times published an investigation into the academic titles used in his public profiles. The newspaper reported that its checks found no recognised academic institution that awarded him a professorial rank. Kila told the newspaper that the European Centre for Advanced and Professional Studies, or ECAPS, awarded him a professorship in 2016. Premium Times said its searches in UK Companies House, Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission and other public records found no trace of the institution beyond references in his profiles. The article also examined his use of “Jean Monnet professor.” The European Commission’s official description of Jean Monnet Chairs says a higher education institution applies to host the position and the chair holder must be a permanent professor at that institution. Premium Times reported that the programme’s administering agency found no record of Kila as a Jean Monnet project coordinator in the public directory from 2015 onward. It added that Kila confirmed he was not associated with the Jean Monnet Actions programme. These findings concern the titles attached to Kila’s name. They do not erase the public-facing work and institutional roles that can be separately documented. ADVERTISEMENT Career and current positions Kila’s current public profile is built around education administration, policy analysis and commentary. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University lists him as its pro-chancellor and as Institute Director General at the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies, usually shortened to CIAPS. The university announced his appointment in August 2025. The Guardian reported that the appointment letter was signed by the university’s visitor, Cecilia Ibru, and registrar, T. Kolo. As pro-chancellor, Kila chairs the governing council. MCIU’s biography describes Kila as a political economist, strategist and public intellectual. It says he has worked in banking, consulting and international projects, and appeared as a BBC commentator and newspaper columnist. The specific institutions behind some academic and teaching claims are not clearly named. What is verified about his education? Kila’s education is the least settled part of his public biography. MCIU says he studied in Cambridge, London, Perugia and Suffolk, earned a first-class degree in political economy, and later specialised in political anthropology. It does not identify the awarding institutions for those claims. Premium Times reported that Kila later supplied a separate qualification list naming institutions and dates. The newspaper said those details differed from the shorter biographies published by MCIU and CIAPS, and that verification of the underlying qualifications was still continuing. For that reason, XTRAfrica is not presenting the degree list as independently confirmed. Nigeria’s National Universities Commission is the statutory body that sets minimum academic standards and accredits university degrees and other academic awards. Its role helps explain why the source and process behind a professorial title are matters of public interest when the title is used by a university governing-council chair. ADVERTISEMENT Kila’s response and MCIU’s position Kila’s response is part of the record. He told Premium Times that ECAPS awarded the professorship and provided a list of claimed qualifications when asked for a detailed curriculum vitae. The newspaper said it was still seeking confirmation from some of the named institutions. An MCIU spokesperson told the newspaper that the university had no evidence that Kila was not a professor and said the institution would decide whether to respond after seeing the report. As of this profile’s publication, MCIU’s official page still displayed “Prof. Anthony A. Kila” and described him as a Jean Monnet professor. The fairest reading is therefore precise: Kila holds the pro-chancellor position, while his professor and Jean Monnet titles are challenged by a published investigation and remain publicly disputed. Private-family claims in low-authority listings are omitted because they were not confirmed through reliable first-party or major-news sources. Anthony Kila career timeline Year Event Significance 2016 Kila says ECAPS awarded him a professorship The awarding body and title are now disputed 2025 Appointed MCIU pro-chancellor Became chair of the university’s governing council 2026 Premium Times publishes its investigation Triggered renewed scrutiny of his academic titles and qualifications Why the title dispute matters A professorial rank normally signals documented teaching, research, publication and institutional promotion. A Jean Monnet Chair is a defined European Union-supported teaching post, not a free-standing personal honorific. For readers following African higher education, the useful lesson is to separate an office someone currently holds from every credential appearing in an institutional biography. XTRAfrica applies the same source-first approach in its guides to the TETFund ₦10 billion research-grant cycle , WAEC’s denial of a viral cancellation claim and the protection of university records in AFC/M23-held areas . Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today Business Trends Lwazi Bam Named to MTN Nigeria Board From 1 December . | Appointments Dapo Akande Elected ICJ Judge: UK-Nigerian Lawyer's 2026 Win . Biography Dapo Akande Biography: Nigerian-British Lawyer Elected to ICJ . Energy and Power Africa Energy Bank Explained: Funding, Purpose and Projects . Technology and Innovation NCC Device Checker Guide: Check Your Phone Safely . ADVERTISEMENT Frequently Asked Questions Who is Anthony Kila? Anthony A. Kila is a Nigerian political economist, public commentator and education administrator. He is the pro-chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University and is identified by MCIU as the Institute Director General at CIAPS. What is Anthony Kila’s current job? His principal verified public role is pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University. Why is Anthony Kila’s professor title disputed? Premium Times reported that it found no recognised academic institution that awarded him professorial rank. Kila told the newspaper that ECAPS awarded the title in 2016, but the report said public-record searches found no trace of that institution beyond his profiles. Is Anthony Kila a Jean Monnet professor? That title is disputed. Premium Times said the Jean Monnet programme’s administering agency found no record of him as a project coordinator in its publicly available directory from 2015 onward. The newspaper also reported that Kila acknowledged he was not associated with Jean Monnet Actions. What did Anthony Kila study? His institutional biographies make broad claims about study in Cambridge, London, Perugia and Suffolk. A separate list supplied to Premium Times named specific degrees and institutions, but the newspaper said verification was still continuing. Is Anthony Kila married, and does he have children? Reliable public sources reviewed for this profile do not establish his current marital status, spouse or children. Those private details are not needed to report the public-interest questions about his university role and titles. 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Africa's global trade share remains under 3%, largely influenced by merchandise trade in 2023, according to a recent Economic Commission for Africa report. Despite efforts towards regional integration, African countries still predominantly trade with non-African nations. The report highlights a lag in meeting macroeconomic convergence criteria and notes minimal progress in intra-African trade since the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area in 2021, with intra-African trade decreasing slightly from 2021 to 2022. Infrastructure developments in roads and ICT have advanced, but rail and energy sectors face challenges, primarily due to funding shortages. ECA's Regional Integration and Trade Division Director, Stephen Karingi, points out that governance issues, poverty, and unemployment remain significant hurdles. He emphasizes that the success of the free trade area depends on effective implementation to harness the benefits of market and trade integration across Africa. Addressing the infrastructure funding gap, estimated between $130bn and $170bn annually, experts suggest innovative financing methods like blended finance, sustainability-focused bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps to support Africa's trade and integration efforts. You can also read our Xtrafrica article about the goals of African Continental Free Trade Area Continue Reading Full Article By Author Name Author Name Home Comment Mar 4, 2024 May 15, 2026 2 min read Copy link Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Published Updated: A view of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters, the epicenter for strategizing Africa's trade elevation Africa's global trade share remains under 3%, largely influenced by merchandise trade in 2023, according to a recent Economic Commission for Africa report. Despite efforts towards regional integration, African countries still predominantly trade with non-African nations. The report highlights a lag in meeting macroeconomic convergence criteria and notes minimal progress in intra-African trade since the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area in 2021, with intra-African trade decreasing slightly from 2021 to 2022. ADVERTISEMENT Infrastructure developments in roads and ICT have advanced, but rail and energy sectors face challenges, primarily due to funding shortages. ECA's Regional Integration and Trade Division Director, Stephen Karingi, points out that governance issues, poverty, and unemployment remain significant hurdles. He emphasizes that the success of the free trade area depends on effective implementation to harness the benefits of market and trade integration across Africa. Addressing the infrastructure funding gap, estimated between $130bn and $170bn annually, experts suggest innovative financing methods like blended finance, sustainability-focused bonds, and debt-for-nature swaps to support Africa's trade and integration efforts. You can also read our Xtrafrica article about the goals of African Continental Free Trade Area ADVERTISEMENT Trending Now US Democrats' Rwanda Record: Peaceful Change and Congo Sovereignty . Policy and Reforms Tanzania Community Grants: Who Benefits and What Comes Next . Government Announcements Ghana–Canada Seafarer Deal Does Not Guarantee Jobs . Job & Opportunity South Africa Elections 2026: DA Leads Gauteng as Count Advances . Elections Monitoring Popular Today ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Related Articles Tags