馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Vice President Shettima highlights Lagos's role as Africa's economic live wire and hub for business leaders
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Vice President Kashim Shettima described Lagos State as Africa's economic "live wire" at the Invest Lagos Summit 3.0. He praised the city's economic history, leadership, and role in national prosperity, stating that Lagos is where ideas are tested and national ambitions are refined into practical outcomes. Shettima credited Lagos for producing influential business figures, including Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu, Africa's richest and second richest men, respectively, emphasizing that they emerged from the Lagos economic environment. He also noted that Lagos has made "almost everybody who is who in Nigeria," adding, "I am also a Lagos boy." The Vice President highlighted Lagos as a model of governance and economic resilience, attributing its transformation to successive leadership, including the foundation laid by President Bola Tinubu. He stated that Lagos has evolved from facing severe urban challenges to becoming a major economic center, contributing significantly to Nigeria's GDP and hosting five of Africa's nine unicorn companies, all based in Lagos.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Harry Kane, captain of Bayern Munich and England, has been ranked as the world's best centre-forward by football experts for mid-2026. Kane's goalscoring record, creativity, and all-round attacking ability secured his top position. His 2025/26 campaign with Bayern Munich was highlighted for impressive goal numbers and playmaking contributions. Kylian Mbapp茅 of Paris Saint-Germain and Erling Haaland of Manchester City completed the top three. Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was ranked fourth, recognized for his pace, work rate, physical presence, and performance in important matches, despite playing in the Turkish Super Lig. Other notable strikers on the list include Lautaro Mart铆nez of Inter Milan, Mikel Oyarzabal of Real Sociedad, Julian 脕lvarez of Atl茅tico Madrid, Viktor Gy枚keres of Arsenal, Deniz Undav, and Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona. The ranking focused exclusively on traditional centre-forwards and No.9s.
The Katsina State Primary Health Care system, supported by UNICEF, has intensified efforts to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. This involves a second round of Tetanus-Diphtheria TD vaccination targeting women of childbearing age in Kaita Local Government Area. The one-week vaccination drive, which began on July 20 and concludes on July 27, aims to immunize girls and women aged 15 and above against tetanus. Sada Hashiru, the Routine Immunisation Provider and Officer-in-Charge of Unguwar Tsamiyya Health Clinic, noted that integrating the TD vaccination with routine immunization has improved acceptance. He explained that women bringing their children for vaccines are also offered the TD vaccine, allowing for greater reach without requiring additional visits. Health education is also being used to correct the misconception that the vaccine is only for married or pregnant women, clarifying that all women from age 15 are eligible. Supervising health official Isah Yahaya described the initiative as a vaccination intensification designed to increase coverage among women who missed previous doses. Vaccination posts are strategically placed within routine immunization clinics and Outpatient Therapeutic Programme OTP centers to reach more eligible women, including caregivers accessing nutrition services. Beneficiaries expressed satisfaction, with a 17-year-old receiving her first dose and a 35-year-old returning for her second, both understanding the vaccine's importance for the
The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized the Nigerian presidency's celebration of a letter from former United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu. The opposition party stated that such diplomatic correspondence cannot shield the President from the judgment of Nigerian voters, especially as the country faces insecurity, economic hardship, and declining living standards. The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, argued that routine diplomatic exchanges should not be presented as endorsements of the administration's performance. The party emphasized that Trump's letter does not reflect the realities in Nigeria or alter its security and socio-economic challenges. The ADC highlighted that the true measure of any government is the daily experience of its citizens, not international recognition. They pointed out the ongoing captivity of women and children in Borno and Kwara states, and violent attacks in Benue and other regions, arguing that diplomatic letters offer little comfort to those living under constant threats. The party also questioned the celebration of the letter given the U.S. Department of State's Level Three and Level Four travel advisories for parts of Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. The ADC urged the Federal Government to prioritize tangible improvements in governance over publicizing diplomatic exchanges, stating that Nigerians will judge the administration based on its record in office