The Delta State Government says its recent investment mission to Brazil has unlocked fresh prospects for industrial expansion, agricultural development, renewable energy, and job creation in the state.

Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has already recorded significant gains by opening up all 25 local government areas with vital infrastructure, thereby creating access to mineral resources, industrial corridors, and potential free trade zones.

Aniagwu explained that the Brazil engagement was aimed at showcasing Delta’s investment opportunities while also drawing lessons from Brazil’s agricultural model, especially in ranching.

He stressed that the establishment of ranches in the state would not only boost food production and jobs but also strengthen security by curbing the use of forests as criminal hideouts.

“We are pursuing both security and job creation by targeting ranching and other agro-industrial investments,” Aniagwu said. “Our discussions in Brazil are progressing very well, and we are optimistic about the outcomes.”

He disclosed that the state also held talks with renewable energy firms and other players in the power sector, building on earlier engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja.

According to him, the goal is to light up the state, expand industries, and create employment opportunities that will improve living standards.

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Aniagwu noted that the government’s focus on agriculture and industry was deliberate, given the rising number of graduates from tertiary institutions across the state.

“Our goal is to create a productive economy where our graduates and young women can secure meaningful jobs beyond the limited space in the civil service,” he added.

“This is how we can guarantee both social and fiscal security for our state while raising living standards.”

He reaffirmed that the Oborevwori administration remains committed to the MORE Agenda, with particular emphasis on infrastructure expansion, energy generation, agriculture, and industrial growth.

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework aimed at promoting, developing, and improving gas infrastructure in Nigeria, according to ChannelsTV.

It was signed on the sidelines of the just-ended fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) by Helen Brume, Director and Global Head – Project and Asset-Based Finance on behalf of Afreximbank, and Oluwole Adama, Executive Director on behalf of MDGIF.

The MoU emphasises private sector-led delivery models and aligns with both institutions’ mandates and strategic priorities.

Under the terms of the MoU, Afreximbank and MDGIF will work together with the overarching intention of mobilising up to $500 million over a four-year period to support midstream and downstream gas infrastructure projects. The investment is structured as a blend of senior debt and equity contributions, considered under both entities’ independent mandates, with a focus on accelerating the modernisation and expansion of Nigeria’s gas sector.

Project Highlights:

Targeted Gas Infrastructure Investment: Joint identification and prioritisation of eligible projects, with annual pipeline targets to ensure investment goals are met.

Senior Debt Financing: Afreximbank will consider providing direct financing and credit risk guarantees to support project finance transactions, working alongside local financial institutions.

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Project Preparatory Support: Establishment of a dedicated support, either through funding or a support framework, for feasibility studies, legal structuring, environmental assessments, and other preparatory activities for bankable gas projects.

Equity Financing: MDGIF will consider equity contributions to complement Afreximbank’s senior debt, enabling full capital structuring for eligible projects.

Promotion and Advocacy: MDGIF will leverage Afreximbank’s platforms, including the Intra-African Trade Fair, to promote its initiatives and engage stakeholders.

Capacity Building: Development of a structured programme to enhance MDGIF’s institutional capabilities in project structuring, risk management, and innovative financing.

With respect to the collaboration between both parties, Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President – Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, noted that:

“This MoU marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to accelerating Africa’s economic transformation. By combining Afreximbank’s deep expertise in trade and project finance with MDGIF’s national investment reach, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development across Nigeria and, potentially, across the West Africa sub-region.”

She added: “We stand ready to work with the MDGIF in advancing the development of gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria, which will add value to the country’s natural resources. This intervention is also important as it aligns with Afreximbank’s Industrialisation and Export Development Agenda.”

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Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has called for unwavering support for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to accelerate growth in the nation’s power sector.

The appeal came during a courtesy visit by the managing director and chief executive officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, to the First Lady over the weekend in Abuja.

Speaking passionately about the critical role of NDPHC, Senator Tinubu said, “It is essential that all stakeholders rally behind NDPHC’s leadership to ensure the company fulfills its mandate of advancing Nigeria’s power infrastructure. I urge the entire Management and staff of NDPHC to continue supporting Engr. Adighije’s vision with dedication and teamwork.”

The First Lady also commended Adighije’s commitment and leadership qualities. “Your diligence, passion, and deep sense of responsibility stand as a shining example of leadership in Nigeria’s power sector,” she stated. “Young women like you, who demonstrate rare leadership virtues, inspire a new generation of leaders and bring hope to our nation’s development.”

Senator Tinubu expressed joy and pride in seeing young Nigerians excel in positions of high responsibility. “I sincerely commend your efforts towards leading NDPHC with every sense of diligence and commitment,” she emphasised. “Your leadership is not only about managing the company but also about inspiring others to step up and contribute meaningfully.”

She further urged continuous teamwork within NDPHC to ensure the attainment of critical milestones in power generation and distribution. “For Nigeria to achieve steady power growth, the success of companies like NDPHC is vital. Let us all work together to support this leadership and push forward the sustainable energy agenda for our people,” she concluded.

Engr. Jennifer Adighije expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the commendations. She assured that NDPHC would remain resolute in transforming Nigeria’s power landscape through innovative projects and effective management.

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The visit underscores a renewed focus on the power sector’s growth, with strong endorsements from key national figures encouraging collaboration and dedication toward a brighter energy future for Nigeria.

When Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, tied the knot with Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, many in Nigeria’s elite circles questioned why one of the nation’s most prominent families would give their daughter’s hand to a musician.

But at the couple’s white wedding in Iceland, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, provided an answer that silenced critics by confirming Mr Eazi as an entrepreneur with businesses across 18 countries on the continent.

Below is a list of Mr Eazi’s businesses, not known to many Nigerians.

1- emPawa Africa – Founded in 2018, emPawa is a talent incubation and music distribution platform that has helped launch stars like Joeboy. It provides mentorship, funding, and resources for up-and-coming artists across Africa.

2- Zagadat Capital – Mr Eazi’s venture capital firm invests in startups in tech, media, and entertainment. Notable investments include:

3- pawaPay – A pan-African mobile payments company.

4- Thrive Agric – an agri-tech startup connecting farmers to investors.

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5- BetPawa – A popular online betting platform.

6- Street Banker – A financial inclusion project for underserved communities.

7- Choplife Gaming & Choplife SoundSystem – Expanding beyond music, Eazi launched Choplife Gaming in 2022, a pan-African lottery and gaming company. His Choplife SoundSystem blends music, events, and lifestyle branding into a cultural business model.

Although less publicised, the singer has confirmed investments in real estate projects across Nigeria and Ghana, as well as hospitality ventures linked to his Choplife brand.

Through Zagadat Capital, Eazi also holds stakes in several fintech firms driving financial inclusion across Africa.

Now married into one of Nigeria’s most influential families, Mr Eazi embodies a hybrid lifestyle — blending music, global entrepreneurship, and elite family life.

For him, business has never been secondary.

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As Dangote hinted, music may be just the tip of the iceberg. With ventures spread across at least 18 African countries, Eazi is positioning himself not just as a musician, but as one of the continent’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.

And with his marriage to Temi Otedola, many say the couple may just become Africa’s new symbol of power, wealth, and influence.

The Dangote Group has announced that its Dangote Petroleum Refinery will begin supplying petrol (PMS) directly to 11 states starting Monday, September 15, 2025. This information was shared in a press release on the Group’s official X account on Thursday.

The retail pump prices for petrol in the initial states will be set at N841 per litre for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti. For Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara, the price will be N851 per litre.

Additionally, the gantry price for petrol is established at N820 per litre.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery begins direct supply of PMS with free delivery effective Monday September 15, 2025

“New Gantry Price is set at N820,” the statement read in part.

To support petrol station operators, the refinery will provide free delivery of PMS to registered stations in the 12 states, with plans to gradually expand distribution nationwide. All station owners are invited to register to access these benefits. The move is expected to improve petrol distribution and supply consistency across the covered states.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, opened in 2024 to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petrol and strengthen energy security.

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In July 2025, it received 4,000 CNG trucks under a N720 billion investment programme, aimed at distributing 65 million litres of refined petroleum products daily, creating over 15,000 jobs, and saving Nigerians more than N1.7 trillion annually in energy costs. The initiative also seeks to improve efficiency in the downstream sector and revive dormant petrol stations.

The refinery’s planned expansion into nationwide petrol distribution was initially scheduled for August 15, 2025, but is now set to begin on Monday, September 15, 2025. Preparatory challenges in early September included a three-day notice from the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), starting Tuesday, September 9, to suspend lifting and dispensing of petrol over concerns about fair competition.

Simultaneously, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) went on a two-day strike, which was later suspended following a DSS-convened meeting attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed to resolve the dispute, mandating unionisation of willing employees from 9th to 22nd September 2025, prohibiting the creation of any other union, and ensuring no worker would be victimised due to the strike.

Signatories included Sayyu Dantata (Dangote Group), O.K. Ukoha (NMDPRA), Ojimba Jibrin (Dangote Group), Benson Upah (NLC), N.A. Toro (TUC), NUPENG President Akporeha Williams, General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, and Amos Falonipe representing the Federal Ministry of Labour.

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Wema Bank has successfully surpassed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) capital requirement for commercial banks with national authorization, a significant milestone achieved through the completion of a substantial N150 billion rights issue.

This important financial strategy positions the bank firmly ahead of the upcoming deadline of March 2026, as outlined in the CBN’s latest recapitalization framework.

In an official statement released on Thursday, Wema Bank proudly announced that its total qualifying capital has now reached an impressive N214.7 billion, comfortably exceeding the regulatory threshold of N200 billion.

The rights issue, which opened its doors on April 14, 2025, and closed on May 21, 2025, was a strategic response to the CBN’s directive aimed at fortifying the Nigerian banking sector.

By embracing this initiative, Wema Bank has not only positioned itself as a leader in compliance but also as a robust player in the quest for sustainable development within the financial landscape of Nigeria.

“This rights issue was undertaken in response to the CBN’s directive on the recapitalisation of banks in Nigeria. With the successful completion and regulatory approval, Wema Bank has now met the N200 billion minimum capital requirement applicable to commercial banks with national authorisation,” the bank’s statement stated.

In addition to the rights issue, Wema Bank has concluded a N50 billion special placement, which is currently awaiting regulatory approval. This additional capital injection further reinforces the bank’s commitment to maintaining a strong capital base and supporting its strategic expansion initiatives.

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CEO Expresses Confidence
Commenting on the milestone, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, expressed confidence in the bank’s trajectory and the trust it enjoys from stakeholders.

“As a growth-driven bank, the industry recapitalisation requirement came as a welcome mission, and we undertook it with full confidence. Our success in surpassing the N200 billion benchmark ahead of the 2026 deadline not only reinforces our strong financial standing as a bank, but also attests to the mutual trust and confidence that exists between Wema Bank and its shareholders,” Oseni said.

Earlier in May, Wema Bank had announced its intention to raise an additional N50 billion through a private placement as part of its broader strategy to meet and exceed the CBN’s capital requirements.

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held electronically on May 22, 2025, shareholders formally adopted a resolution to secure this additional capital, signaling strong support for the bank’s growth agenda.

Under the CBN’s recapitalization framework, commercial banks with international authorization are required to maintain a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while those with national authorization, such as Wema Bank, must meet a N200 billion threshold.

Wema Bank’s swift and strategic response to these requirements highlights its resilience and forward-thinking leadership in Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.

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