In a stunning display of strength, determination, and national pride, Onyinyechi Mark has clinched Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Competing in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category, Mark lifted an astonishing 147kg, setting a new world record and etching her name into the annals of sporting history.

Her remarkable performance not only brought home the gold but also underscored Nigeria’s prominent presence on the world stage of adaptive sports. The atmosphere at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles was electric as Mark, with a look of fierce concentration and unwavering resolve, confidently approached the weight that would ultimately make her a global champion. Her successful lift surpassed all expectations and shattered the previous world record, earning her resounding applause from the audience and fellow athletes.

Onyinyechi Mark’s historic achievement represents a significant milestone for Nigeria, which has consistently demonstrated exceptional prowess in powerlifting at the Paralympics. Her triumph comes at a time when the country is celebrating its rich legacy in adaptive sports, bolstering the spirit of millions of Nigerians who are following the games with keen interest and anticipation.

Reacting to her victory, Mark expressed gratitude to her supporters and fellow athletes, saying, “I am deeply honored to win this medal for my country and to have set a new world record. This is a dream come true, and I hope my achievement will inspire many more athletes back home and across the world to pursue their dreams relentlessly.”

The Nigerian contingent at the 2024 Paralympics has been buoyed by Mark’s victory, with officials and coaches praising her for her dedication and perseverance. “Onyinyechi’s performance today is nothing short of extraordinary. She has shown the world what Nigerian athletes are capable of, and we are immensely proud of her,” stated the President of the Nigeria Paralympic Committee.

Mark’s gold medal win and record-breaking lift have galvanized support from across the nation, with congratulatory messages pouring in from the President of Nigeria, government officials, sports enthusiasts, and citizens. Her achievement is seen as a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of the limitless potential of Nigerian athletes on the global stage.

As the 2024 Paralympic Games continue, Onyinyechi Mark’s exceptional accomplishment has undoubtedly set a high bar for Team Nigeria. The country remains optimistic about its prospects in upcoming events and looks forward to further success as it competes for more medals in various disciplines.

The Nigeria Paralympic Committee is dedicated to fostering and promoting Paralympic sports across the nation, ensuring that athletes with disabilities have the support and opportunities needed to compete at the highest levels. The Committee is committed to excellence and strives to empower athletes to reach their full potential through training, resources, and international competition.

 

Professor Alexander Animalu, a distinguished physicist of global acclaim, has been twice nominated for the prestigious Nobel Prize, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of physics. Widely regarded as a scientific genius, Professor Animalu holds a prominent position in the world of science and technology, both in Nigeria and internationally.

As a member of the highest advisory body on Science and Technology to the Nigerian government, Professor Animalu has been a trailblazer in advancing scientific innovation. He is recognized as a pioneer of solar energy in Nigeria and holds the unique distinction of being the only African member of the Advisory Board of the Euro-Journal Physics and the Editorial Board of the Hadronic Journal. His achievements and impact on the field of physics have earned him the admiration of peers and institutions worldwide, cementing his status as a leader in scientific thought.

Born on August 28, 1938, in Okuzu, Oba, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, Alexander Animalu was the fifth child of Michael Animalu Nwakudu and Josephine Nkenwa. His early education began at St. Paul’s CMS Church School, Isu-Oba (1943–44), and St. Thomas’s CMS Church School, Okuzu (1944–45). He continued his studies at CMS Central School, Isu-Oba (1945–51) before attending Dennis Memorial Grammar School from 1952 to 1956 for his secondary education, and later from 1957 to 1958 for his Higher School Certificate.

Professor Animalu’s academic journey then took him to University College, Ibadan (1959–62), where he was mentored by notable scholars such as Professor Chike Obi and Professor James Ezeilo. His exceptional academic background laid the foundation for his illustrious career, which has been marked by groundbreaking research and numerous accolades.

Celebrated as a national hero, Professor Animalu’s contributions to science, particularly in the realm of physics, have been invaluable. As Nigeria continues to push for advancements in science and technology, figures like Professor Animalu serve as inspirations for future generations. Many believe he deserves the highest national honors for his dedication, pioneering spirit, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge that transcends borders.

 

Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo is recognized as one of the most influential women in artificial intelligence today. Named among the 100 Most Influential Women in Tech and AI by *Times New York*, Dr. Okolo is making significant strides in both AI research and policy. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, by Nigerian immigrants, she has emerged as a leading voice in her field. Currently, she is a Fellow at the Center for Technology Innovation within the Governance Studies program at The Brookings Institution and a recent Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science from Cornell University.

Dr. Okolo’s research focuses on key areas of AI governance, especially in emerging markets. Her work spans AI literacy upskilling, human-centered approaches to AI explainability, the future of data work, and leveraging AI to enhance global health outcomes. At Cornell, her dissertation employed ethnographic methods to understand how frontline healthcare workers in rural India perceive and value AI technologies. She also explored how AI-enabled technologies can be deployed effectively across the Global South, with a specific focus on healthcare.

In addition to her dissertation, Dr. Okolo has conducted research on AI adoption in Africa, the spread of COVID-19 misinformation on social networks within African communities, and the impact of generative AI on the continent. Her work has gained widespread recognition and has been featured in *VICE*, *Bloomberg*, *Newsweek*, and *VentureBeat*. She has also received funding and support from prominent organizations, including The National GEM Consortium, Oracle Corporation, the North American Network Operators’ Group (NANOG), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and Google.

Dr. Okolo’s academic journey is marked by excellence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Pomona College, as well as a Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University. Her contributions extend beyond academia to include active roles in policy and ethical AI. She is a Consulting Expert with the African Union, helping to shape the AU-AI Continental Strategy for Africa, and an Ethics Advisor to the Equiano Institute, a research lab dedicated to promoting safe and trustworthy AI in Africa. Additionally, she is involved in the IEEE Standards Association working group on algorithmic bias and is a member of the ACM US Technology Policy Council.

Dr. Okolo’s recognition as one of the most influential women in AI underscores her groundbreaking work and commitment to advancing the field, particularly in regions that are often underrepresented in tech conversations. Her achievements are paving the way for the next generation of AI leaders.

Let’s honor Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo for her exceptional contributions to artificial intelligence.

 

Roberta Edu has underscored the crucial role a supportive partner plays in the career advancement and personal growth of women. Her advice to young, unmarried women centers on the significance of choosing a partner who genuinely fosters their potential and prosperity.

Edu observes that many women, particularly those with exceptional talents, might not fully grasp the impact of a supportive relationship from the outside. She notes, “Sometimes when I see unmarried women involved with men and navigating their values and relationships, I refrain from offering unsolicited advice, especially when the woman is brilliant in her own right. The true essence of a supportive partnership is often not fully understood without experiencing it firsthand.”

She emphasizes that a good partner’s support goes beyond mere words. “As a strong woman, if you haven’t been loved properly or haven’t had a partner dedicated to your growth, happiness, and success, the full impact of such a relationship might be elusive. It’s an experience that’s better felt than explained.”

Edu expresses a hope for broader change: “I wish more men would step up in their roles, providing the genuine support and love that women deserve, allowing them to experience the profound empowerment they are meant to enjoy.”

Her message highlights the importance of finding a partner who actively supports and enhances a woman’s career and personal growth, advocating for a relationship dynamic that nurtures both individual and shared success.

 

The international literary community is abuzz with anticipation as Hope Nwosu prepares to unveil her highly anticipated debut novel, *Sold Out*, at a grand launch event in Finland this weekend. The official book launch is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Nwosu’s literary career.

In a heartfelt statement, Hope Nwosu shared her excitement and emotions as the launch date approaches: “The much-awaited book launch is here! Tomorrow is the official release of my debut novel, *Sold Out*. The day I have been eagerly looking forward to is only a few hours away. I am excited, and I am nervous, but I am confident that the event will be a resounding success. The support from my network has been overwhelming, with many expressing their commitment to attend the launch.”

The event will be graced by Sarah Laaru, an esteemed business consultant and Chairperson of the Finnish-African Society ry / Suomen Afrikka-Seura ry. Laaru will serve as the event chair and moderate an insightful interview with the author, adding a distinguished touch to the occasion.

Nwosu invites everyone to join her in this historic moment, celebrating the launch of a book aimed at empowering African women. The launch will take place at Pasila Library, a fitting venue for this significant literary event. Attendees can look forward to a day of celebration and inspiration as Nwosu’s novel makes its debut.

For those interested in witnessing this momentous occasion and supporting the empowerment of African women through literature, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Africa’s upstream sector is not short on opportunity, with oil and gas tenders being launched for onshore, deepwater, greenfield and brownfield acreage in Angola, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and Liberia, among other markets. Yet for African countries to better compete for global exploration capital, their respective licensing processes, frameworks and terms must encourage new investment. Featuring up to seven African licensing rounds, the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris will explore strategies for designing more competitive oil and gas tenders on the continent, as well as highlight the markets that have already implemented successful upstream reforms.

 

Creating Stable Regulatory Frameworks

The establishment of transparent and stable regulatory frameworks is crucial for attracting upstream investors, who are more likely to commit capital when they have clarity on the legal and regulatory environment. This includes ensuring that laws governing oil and gas exploration, production and taxation are well-defined and consistently applied, as well as establishing independent regulatory bodies that can enforce regulations impartially. Angola (https://apo-opa.co/4dJwg4j) – which will launch a 10-block limited public tender in 2025 – has been recognized for both. Its Petroleum Activities Law provides investors with a clear understanding of their obligations and rights, while its National Agency of Oil, Gas & Biofuels independently oversees the award of licenses and has gained the trust of upstream investors.

Following overwhelming interest in its prolific offshore Orange Basin, Namibia (https://apo-opa.co/3Z7sblO) adopted a more streamlined licensing system at the start of this year, restricting open-door negotiation to a two-month period to eliminate bottlenecks and accelerate the evaluation of bids. Similarly, Liberia (https://apo-opa.co/4dDMnQJ) opened a direct negotiation licensing round earlier this month, featuring 29 offshore blocks in the Liberia and Harper basins and supported by over 26,000 km² of 3D data. The upcoming forum will explore licensing opportunities in both countries and their commitment to a stable and favorable investment environment.

Ensuring Transparent Bidding Processes

To enhance the attractiveness of oil and gas tenders, bidding processes must be competitive and transparent. A well-structured, open bidding process can build investor confidence and encourage participation from a broad range of companies, allowing them to compete on equal terms. Nigeria’s Marginal Fields Bid Round in 2020 was one of the most transparent in the country’s history, attracting a diverse range of bidders, with over 600 companies (https://apo-opa.co/4ebAHVn) registering to participate and licenses awarded to Nigerian companies including Matrix Energy, SunTrust Oil, Shoreline Natural Resources, Seplat Petroleum Development Company and Green Energy International. As the country launched its latest bidding round in April 2024 – placing 36 blocks on offer across the onshore Niger Delta, Continental Shelf and deep offshore for a period of nine months – the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has promised transparent evaluation processes and competitive entry fees, specifically inviting the participation of indigenous companies with sufficient technical expertise and financial resources.

 

To ensure transparent and efficient tenders, Kenya (https://apo-opa.co/4e2HiRC) utilizes e-bidding platforms for various procurement processes, including in the oil and gas sector, which electronically manages the entire process from the advertisement of tenders to the submission and evaluation of bids. The country’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum plans to launch its first licensing round (https://apo-opa.co/4ebyt8p) in late-2024 or early-2025 offering 45 onshore and offshore blocks.

Offering Competitive Fiscal Terms

African licensing rounds should establish competitive fiscal terms, which encourage investment and adapt to changing market conditions, while providing contractual stability and safeguarding government revenues. Angola’s reforms to its fiscal regime, including reduced taxes and royalties for marginal fields, have made the development of marginal fields more economically viable and led to the first-time inclusion of five marginal fields in the 2025 bid round. Meanwhile, incentives for high-risk or frontier areas such as tax breaks and reduced royalties can catalyze investment in emerging markets. Uganda’s fiscal regime – which includes stabilization clauses that protect oil companies from adverse regulatory changes, as well as joint and several liability to ensure tax recovery – have attracted major investors including TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation to the Albertine Graben, a highly prospective yet frontier basin. The regime also features progressive royalty structures that increase with production, ensuring revenue responsiveness to market conditions. Contract stability is another key incentive. Mozambique (https://apo-opa.co/3Z9bPsV) – which is preparing the launch of its seventh licensing round in 2025 – has been able to attract large-scale upstream investment in part due to its ability to secure long-term LNG offtake agreements.

Prioritizing Local Content and Capacity Building

Designing realistic local content policies (https://apo-opa.co/3AK3JN8) (LCPs) that gradually increase over time, while being beneficial to the host country, is also critical to attracting upstream investment at an early stage. Following its world-class offshore discoveries, Namibia has fast-tracked the development of its Namibian Content Policy, which is nearing finalization, focusing on facilitating market access and financing for Namibians. Tanzania has also prioritized the development of comprehensive local content requirements – expected to drive interest in its fifth oil and gas licensing round to be launched later this year – as well as encourage joint ventures between international companies and local firms to build local expertise. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation is collaborating with Indonesia’s state-owned Pertamina to provide human resource training and upskilling, following Pertamina’s interest in Tanzania’s upstream oil and gas exploration scene.

Canon’s Miraisha Programme (https://en.Canon-CNA.com), launched in 2014, has educated over 7000+ future professionals across Africa through skills workshops, training programs, and enterprise support, helping them gain qualifications, secure employment, and establish their own businesses; Canon made a special announcement of awarding 10 scholarships to hand-picked African students and unveiled a coffee table book documenting the Miraisha program’s ten-year journey of empowering young talent.

 

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging solutions, proudly commemorated the 10th anniversary of its Miraisha programme, celebrating a decade of transformative impact and achievements across Africa. The milestone event, titled “10 Years of Miraisha”, highlighted the programme’s remarkable journey and the impact it has had on aspiring photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals throughout the continent.

During the exclusive media event held at KCA University on 3rd September 2024, Canon made a special announcement of awarding 10 scholarships to hand-picked students from across Africa. These students, selected by the Miraisha team, trainers, and partners, represented the diverse nations where the programme has been actively nurturing talent. The scholarships will support a one-year course at prestigious institutions, including KCA University in Kenya, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and IFCPA/CRTV (Institut De Formation Et De Conservation Du Partrimoine Audiovisual) in Cameroon.

A significant highlight of the event was the launch of a visually stunning coffee table book, which chronicles the journey of Miraisha from its inception to its status as a cornerstone of empowerment. This comprehensive journal showcased the outstanding work of trainers and students, highlighting success stories from the previous scholarship programme and offering an account of the last 10 years.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Miraisha programme, a decade that has seen remarkable transformations and inspiring stories from across Africa. The Miraisha initiative embodies Canon’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities in the creative industry. By providing scholarships and launching the coffee table book, we continue to invest in the future of African photographers and filmmakers, ensuring their stories are told and their voices heard. This celebration is not just about reflecting on our past achievements but also about looking forward to a future filled with limitless possibilities for the talented individuals we support.” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa.

A keynote address delivered by Timothy Owase, CEO, Kenya Film Commission, highlighted the importance of the Miraisha programme in empowering African talent. He also lauded Miraisha’s efforts in providing invaluable opportunities and resources to aspiring photographers and filmmakers across the continent.

The Miraisha initiative embodies Canon’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities in the creative industry

Canon’s guests for this momentous occasion comprised a distinguished gathering from diverse sectors, including key representatives from KCA University and partner organizations: the Kenya Film Classification Board, Film Lecturers and Trainers Association of Kenya (FLETA-K), The NRB Bus, Ishara Mara, Zebra Productions Kenya Ltd, and Elimu Project. Our dedicated trainers and talented students also graced the occasion with their presence. This impressive turnout underscored the widespread impact and recognition of the Miraisha program.

The event also featured a photography exhibition displaying student work. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the students and gain insights into their creative processes. Canon honoured the invaluable contributions of the programme’s trainers with certificates and speeches. Additionally, a training session on the topic of “How to make a successful photography business” enriched the day’s program for KCA University and Miraisha alumni students. The session, led by Canon Certified Trainer Georgina Goodwin, covered essential topics such as building your brand presence, effectively presenting and introducing yourself to clients, crafting compelling elevator pitches, and understanding client expectations for portfolio reviews.

Since its inception, the Miraisha Programme has reached significant milestones, including establishing 33 partnerships with various organisations, training over 7,000+ participants, and setting a target to train 10,000 participants by 2027.

Since 2014, the Miraisha Programme has collaborated with a diverse array of organisations across Africa. These include Kenyatta University, Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Kenya Photography Awards, Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria, Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA), The NRB Bus, Zebra Productions Kenya LTD, Lens on Life, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and the National Film & TV Institute of Ghana (NAFTI), among many other institutions and events.

In alignment with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good, the Miraisha Programme promotes job opportunities in Africa by providing workshops for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners. The name ‘Miraisha’ is a fusion of Japanese and Swahili, symbolising the programme’s cross-cultural approach.

As the Miraisha Programme enters its second decade, Canon is committed to expanding its reach and empowering an even greater number of young people across Africa to pursue their passions and build successful careers in the imaging industry. This next phase will see an increase in partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders to provide more comprehensive training and development opportunities.

By fostering a new generation of talented photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners, Canon aims to contribute significantly to the economic growth of the continent, ensuring that the creative voices of Africa continue to thrive and inspire globally.

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has addressed concerns regarding the fluctuation in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices, attributing these variations to foreign exchange (forex) illiquidity and the application of free market forces as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

During an appearance on TVC News’ “Journalists’ Hangout” show on Thursday, Mr. Adedapo Segun, the Executive Vice President of Downstream at NNPC Ltd., provided insights into the current fuel scarcity situation. He emphasized that the persistent fluctuations in PMS prices are primarily influenced by unrestricted market dynamics, a framework established under Section 205 of the PIA, which governs the petroleum industry in Nigeria.

Segun clarified that the market has undergone deregulation, meaning that petrol prices are now subject to market forces rather than being regulated by the government or NNPC Ltd. He explained, “The market has been deregulated, meaning that petrol prices are now determined by market forces rather than by the government or NNPC Ltd. Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices.”

Addressing the current fuel scarcity, Segun acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by consumers but assured that the situation is expected to improve. He stated that the scarcity should subside within a few days as more filling stations recalibrate their systems and resume the sale of PMS.

On the topic of fuel supply from the Dangote Refinery, Segun noted that NNPC Ltd. is awaiting the refinery’s commitment to begin lifting PMS as per the September 15th timeline provided. He assured that NNPC Ltd. is actively working to alleviate the scarcity by leveraging its extensive network of nearly a thousand filling stations across the nation. The company is collaborating with marketers to ensure that stations operate longer hours, thereby maintaining a steady fuel supply.

Additionally, Segun highlighted that NNPC Ltd. is engaging with relevant authorities to prevent product diversions and ensure timely deliveries to all stations. “We are also engaging relevant authorities to ensure product diversions are prevented and timely deliveries to all stations are ensured,” he said. He expressed confidence that the scarcity would ease as more stations come online and operations normalize.

 

In a heartfelt tribute to a musical pioneer, the Enugu State Government has celebrated the legendary highlife singer Mike Ejeagha, best known for his iconic hit “Gwo Gwo Gwo.” This momentous occasion marks forty years since Ejeagha first introduced his unique genre of highlife folklore to the world. His influence and enduring legacy were recently revitalized when his 1983 hit went viral, thanks to the creative efforts of skit maker Brain Jotter.

In recognition of his profound contributions to Nigerian music and culture, the Enugu State Government has inaugurated four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in the Abakpa Nike area. Among these, a notable highlight is the renaming of Obinagu Road to Mike Ejeagha Road. This honor not only commemorates Ejeagha’s impact on the music industry but also immortalizes his name within his home state.

The renaming ceremony was a testament to Ejeagha’s enduring legacy and the deep appreciation of the Enugu State Government for his contributions. The event drew attention to the significant role that Ejeagha has played in shaping the highlife genre and his influence on contemporary artists.

As the state unveils these infrastructural developments, the dedication of Mike Ejeagha Road stands as a lasting tribute to a musical icon whose work continues to resonate with audiences across generations. This gesture underscores the state’s commitment to honoring its cultural heroes and preserving their legacies for future generations.

 

In a significant move to enhance support for older persons across Nigeria, the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) has announced a strategic partnership with the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF). The collaboration aims to establish senior centres under the “One Community, One Senior Centre” initiative, alongside other social programs designed for vulnerable elderly citizens.

The partnership was formally initiated during a courtesy visit by Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, to Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director General of the National Senior Citizens Centre. During the visit, Dr. Omokaro outlined the vision for the collaboration, emphasizing the creation of a prototype structure for the senior centres as a starting point.

Dr. Omokaro highlighted the NSCC’s ongoing transformative programs, including income security, health and social care, age-friendly environments, and elder justice campaigns. These initiatives are geared towards improving the quality of life, dignity, and well-being of senior citizens in Nigeria.

Comrade Tosin Adeyanju expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda and Social Inclusion Programs of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He reaffirmed the NLTF’s commitment to enhancing basic healthcare facilities as part of its mandate and pledged full support to the NSCC in delivering meaningful relief to senior citizens.

Both agencies will form a technical working team to develop detailed implementation plans to ensure the successful execution of the initiative.