🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
President Tinubu charges new envoys to improve Nigeria's global image and attract investments
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigeria's newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to enhance the country's international image, attract foreign investments, and strengthen strategic partnerships. Speaking at an induction course in Abuja, President Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, emphasized that these appointments reflect confidence in the envoys' ability to advance Nigeria's interests. He highlighted the rapid transformation of the global system due to geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, climate challenges, and security threats, making the role of diplomats more critical. President Tinubu urged envoys to adopt modern, results-oriented diplomatic approaches, combining traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public diplomacy, and strategic communication to project Nigeria's achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stressed the importance of credibly and compellingly narrating Nigeria's story to reshape global perceptions and called for proactivity in fostering partnerships, promoting trade, and attracting foreign direct investment and technology. Safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora was also identified as a top priority. President Tinubu announced a reordering of Nigeria's foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine, shifting priorities to Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy, placing Nigerians at the center of fore
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Must ReadMr. Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President of African Export-Import Bank, announced that the bank is financing three additional refineries in Nigeria. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase local refining capacity and decrease Africa's reliance on imported petroleum products, thereby reducing vulnerability to external supply shocks. The bank's support extends beyond the Dangote refinery to other projects in Nigeria and Angola. This push into refining is driven by recent global supply chain disruptions, particularly those linked to Middle East tensions, which have increased the cost and complexity of fuel imports for African economies. Afreximbank is employing a dual approach: supporting immediate trade finance needs and investing in long-term productive capacity to lessen structural import dependence. The bank's intervention is supported by a $10 billion Gulf Crisis Response Programme, which aims to stabilize access to essential imports like fuel, food, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. This facility is already being utilized by countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. The shift towards local refining is also expected to improve macroeconomic stability by reducing foreign exchange pressures associated with fuel imports. In Nigeria, this could help moderate domestic inflation over time. Afreximbank also supports a local currency framework for crude supply to the Dangote refinery, allowing refined products to be sold in naira to ease pressure on
Anthony Joshua is scheduled to return to boxing on July 25 for a warm-up fight against Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This event, part of an 'Esports World Cup', will be broadcast live on DAZN. This marks Joshua's first fight since his knockout victory over Jake Paul in December and his subsequent involvement in a car accident in Nigeria that resulted in the deaths of two friends and left Joshua with minor injuries. Joshua has signed a two-fight deal with Riyadh Season, which includes a highly anticipated clash with Tyson Fury later in the year. Saudi Boxing Chief Turki Alalshikh confirmed the signing, stating, "To my friends in Great Britain – it’s happening. It’s signed." Joshua expressed his delight at the multi-fight deal, stating he has taken time to consolidate and rebuild and is looking forward to competing and picking up where he left off.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced his endorsement of his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat formally declared his intention to contest the governorship seat to members of the State Executive Council and key party leaders. Members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, including former Minister of State of Defense, Musiliu Obanikoro, and Ganiyu Solomon, were also present. Sanwo-Olu described the endorsement as a unanimous decision by stakeholders, highlighting Hamzat's experience, integrity, loyalty, and commitment over their seven years of working together. He stated that Hamzat is prepared and capable of leading the state, describing him as a man who knows where all the rooms in the house are. The governor also acknowledged President Bola's role in their political journey. Sanwo-Olu characterized the meeting as a consultative process that resulted in broad agreement among stakeholders, signaling an early alignment within the All Progressives Congress in Lagos ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Voting for the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards AMVCA has officially closed, with the winners scheduled to be announced on May 9. Africa Magic expressed gratitude to viewers for their participation in the audience categories. The ceremony will be broadcast live across Africa Magic channels, with the red carpet starting at 4:00 p.m. WAT and the main awards show at 7:00 p.m. WAT. The 2026 edition includes 32 categories, comprising 18 jury-decided awards, 11 audience-voted categories, and three special honors such as Lifetime Achievement and Trailblazer awards. Veteran actress Joke Silva is serving as Head Judge for this year's edition. Two new categories, Best Indigenous Language Film North Africa and Best Indigenous Language Film Central Africa, were introduced to enhance continental representation. Nominees include prominent figures like Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale, and Bisola Aiyeola. With voting concluded, focus now shifts to the awards night, where winners in film, television, and digital content will be revealed.