🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Diageo launches World Class Nigeria 2026 bartending competition to boost premium spirits market
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Diageo has launched the Nigerian edition of its World Class 2026 bartending competition, aiming to enhance premium spirits consumption and professionalize the country’s hospitality sector. The global drinks company unveiled World Class Nigeria 2026 in Lagos, inviting entries for a nationwide search for top bartending talent. This competition, now in its 17th year globally and active in over 60 countries, seeks to identify bartenders who can compete internationally while elevating local industry skills. The Nigerian winner will represent the country at the global finals in Scotland, United Kingdom, later this year. This initiative comes as multinational beverage companies intensify efforts to capture Nigeria’s premium drinks market, despite economic pressures. Demand for curated nightlife experiences and premium hospitality offerings continues to grow, particularly in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Ujunwa Chukwumah, Commercial Director for West and Central Africa at Diageo, stated that the program is part of the company’s broader strategy to support talent development and strengthen the hospitality ecosystem by identifying emerging talent, improving professional capability, and exposing Nigerian bartenders to international standards. The launch event, held in Lagos, attracted hospitality operators, mixologists, and beverage consultants, highlighting the growing commercial interest in Nigeria’s nightlife and entertainment economy. Executives and consultants noted that Nigeria
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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lauded the European Investment Bank EIB for its backing of the Omi Eko Project, an initiative aimed at transforming urban mobility and enhancing residents' quality of life. During a visit from an EIB delegation led by Vice President Ambroise Fayolle, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the project aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ agenda, particularly its Transportation and Traffic Management pillar. The Omi Eko Project, meaning “Water of Lagos,” will establish modern and climate-resilient water transport infrastructure, including improved terminals, safer navigation channels, and enhanced commuter services. This is expected to significantly reduce travel times for residents. Governor Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the support from the African Development Bank and other development partners for the state's sustainable transportation network. He further welcomed the EIB’s investment in Nigeria’s small and medium-scale enterprise sector. Fayolle noted that Nigeria is projected to become the EIB’s largest country of operations in Africa in 2025, with total lending valued at €550 million. He highlighted a recent €200 million facility with the Development Bank of Nigeria for digital and green investments by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and a financing agreement with Wema Bank to improve access to finance for underserved businesses. Fayolle described the Omi Eko Project as a flagship European Union initiative in Lagos, fin
Must ReadThe All Progressives Congress APC achieved a dominant performance in recent by-elections, securing wins in Ondo, Nasarawa, Kano, and Kebbi states. The Peoples Democratic Party PDP maintained its hold on the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC announced the results, which strengthen the APC's legislative presence. However, some contests faced allegations of electoral irregularities, violence, and voter intimidation. In Nasarawa, APC candidate Danladi Halilu won the Nasarawa North Senatorial seat with 45,362 votes, defeating Labaran Maku of the Labour Party LP and Emmanuel Ombugadu of the PDP. Following the results, LP agents staged a walkout, and Maku, a former minister of Information, rejected the outcome, citing widespread irregularities and calling for the by-election's cancellation. He alleged non-adherence to electoral laws by INEC officials and issues with BVAS machine usage. The Nasarawa State APC Publicity Secretary, Augustine Ogaba, dismissed Maku's allegations, urging him to accept the electoral outcome. Rabiu Shuaibu of the APC secured a landslide victory in the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election in Kano. In Enugu North Senatorial District, Ikeje Asogwa of the APC was declared the winner with 162,360 votes, though this election was reportedly marred by violence, technical hitches, and ballot-box snatching. Prof Francis Faduyile, the APC candidate, won the Ondo South Senatorial District by-e
Opposition parties have criticized the conduct of Saturday's governorship election in Ekiti State and various by-elections, alleging widespread vote-buying, ballot irregularities, and administrative lapses by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC. While acknowledging logistical improvements and the generally peaceful nature of the polls, parties raised concerns about electoral transparency. Osa Director, National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, noted the Ekiti election was violence-free but marred by vote-buying allegations and issues with voter card access, urging corrections before the 2027 General Elections. Rufus Aiyenigba, National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party SDP, also cited improved logistics but accused INEC of undermining confidence due to rampant vote-buying and the alleged exclusion of SDP party agents. The Labour Party expressed reservations about the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, with National Publicity Secretary Ken Asogwa reporting both positive aspects, such as orderly conduct and satisfactory Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS performance, and significant oversights, including the omission of the Labour Party's name from the ballot paper. Similar complaints arose in other by-elections, with Labaran Maku, Labour Party candidate in Nasarawa North Senatorial District, rejecting the outcome due to alleged irregularities and BVAS failures. Candidates in Rivers South-East Senatorial Dist