
The Kaduna State Government advocates for stronger social media regulation to curb misinformation and reduce conflict escalation, following a new peacebuilding report. Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the State Commissioner for Information and Culture, highlighted this during the dissemination of findings from the Delimi Prosper Project, implemented under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria SPRING initiative. The report identified youths, digital platforms, and competing narratives as key drivers of insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Maiyaki stressed that while social media is a vital tool for information, it must not be used for incitement or falsehoods, noting that even advanced democracies regulate these platforms. He affirmed the government's commitment to providing accurate information and countering fake news. Richard Ali, Executive Director of Engaging Borders Strategy, Research and Development, added that the Delimi Prosper Project found young people are central to conflict dynamics in Northern Nigeria and must be prioritized in peacebuilding strategies. He also emphasized that the digital environment has become a major theater for conflict narratives, requiring a collaborative approach among governments, development partners, and civil society organizations to address these issues effectively.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG announced plans to train over 100,000 young Nigerians in technology-related skills through the RCCG Young Adult and Youth Tech Fellowship. This initiative will be officially launched during the Mega Music Festival 2.0, scheduled for Friday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. Sola Olukoya, Special Assistant to the General Overseer on Youth Affairs, stated that the fellowship will offer a four-month practical training program in areas such as data analysis, product development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, and digital innovation. The program, organized in partnership with Reach4Christ, aims to equip young people for the digital economy and global opportunities, contributing to national development. The Mega Music Festival, themed "A New Season," will feature worship, prayers, thanksgiving, and prophetic declarations for Nigeria, with performances by gospel ministers like Nathaniel Bassey and Dunsin Oyekan. Senior ministers, including J. F. Odesola and J. T. Kalejaiye, will lead prayer sessions, and the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, will offer blessings. Over 5,000 volunteers have been mobilized for the event, and free buses will be provided from designated locations in Lagos and Ogun states.
Must ReadWamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, announced that intra-African trade is projected to reach $250 billion in 2026, up from $220 billion in 2025. Speaking at the 'Invest Lagos 3.0' Conference, Mene commended the Lagos State Government for positioning the city as a leading center for Africa's industrialization and digital innovation. He noted that 50 African countries are currently implementing the AfCFTA agreement, with all protocols concluded. Mene emphasized the need for Africa to deepen trade among its countries due to global economic challenges limiting access to traditional export markets. He highlighted that external shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions exposed Africa's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and import dependence, stressing that strengthening intra-African trade will build resilience. Key barriers to trade growth identified include high trade finance costs, inadequate transport infrastructure, logistics bottlenecks, and restrictions on the movement of people. Mene cited that transporting goods between Lagos and Abidjan can take up to 17 days due to checkpoints. He advocated for wider adoption of visa-free policies and visa-on-arrival arrangements for African business travelers, commending countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda for easing travel restrictions. Mene described Lagos as Africa's leading fintech hub, projecting the continent's digital economy to reach $712 billion by 2035. He
Must ReadAccess Holdings Plc announced a profit before tax of N1.007 trillion, demonstrating the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings. Total assets reached N51.56 trillion, with customer deposits increasing. At its fourth Annual General Meeting, Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede stated that the company's 2025 performance reflected a deliberate strategy to strengthen long-term fundamentals while maintaining strong financial results. He noted that the group made a prudent decision to accelerate the recognition of legacy exposures and exit regulatory forbearance positions, leading to elevated impairment charges, which prioritized balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings. The AGM highlighted the group's evolution beyond traditional banking into a diversified financial services ecosystem, with growing contributions from investment management, insurance, and technology-driven platforms, including Access ARM Pensions, Access Insurance Brokers, Oxygen X Finance, and Hydrogen Payments. The board addressed shareholder concerns regarding dividend payments, clarifying that the non-payment was due to regulatory alignment and compliance within the banking subsidiary, assuring shareholders of a resumption once conditions are met. The company also reported progress in governance and leadership continuity, with Innocent Ike appointed Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Ibironke Adeyemi as an Independent Non-Executive Director. Access