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Who Was Tay Keith? Grammy-Nominated Producer

By
Enyosa Favour
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The music industry is mourning the loss of Grammy-nominated producer Tay Keith, the acclaimed beatmaker whose signature sound helped shape some of the biggest hip-hop records of the last decade.

Keith, whose real name was Brytavious Chambers, was found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 29.

Authorities confirmed that officers responded to a welfare check request and discovered the producer deceased inside his residence. According to Nashville police, “no foul play is suspected” in his death.

Officials have not yet released the cause of death, although an autopsy is currently being conducted.

The news has sent shockwaves through the music world, with artists, collaborators, and fans paying tribute to one of hip-hop’s most influential young producers.

Who Was Tay Keith?

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Tay Keith emerged as one of the most successful music producers of his generation.

Despite achieving success at a young age, Keith remained committed to his education.
While building his music career, he attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in Integrated Studies and Media Management.

Reflecting on his decision to complete his studies, he once said:
“There wouldn’t be any point for me to come to college if I didn’t want to finish it — I could have just focused 100% on music.”
He added:
“By my last week of college, I had my first No. 1 single, so it didn’t make any sense to drop out.”
His story became an example of balancing academic achievement with professional success.

Known for his hard-hitting drums, Memphis-inspired production style, and instantly recognizable tag, Keith became one of the driving forces behind modern hip-hop’s commercial success.

His breakthrough came through collaborations with fellow Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB, helping him gain industry recognition before eventually becoming a sought-after producer for some of the biggest names in music.

Over the years, Keith built an impressive catalogue that spanned rap, hip-hop, R&B, and pop music.

Working With Music’s Biggest Stars

Tay Keith’s production credits read like a who’s who of contemporary music.
He worked with major artists including:

  • Drake
  • Travis Scott
  • Beyoncé
  • Eminem
  • Lil Baby
  • 21 Savage
  • Sexyy Red
  • J Cole
  • Cardi B
  • Moneybagg Yo
  • Lil Nas X
  • DJ Khaled
    One of his most celebrated achievements came in 2018 when he co-produced Travis Scott’s chart-topping hit Sicko Mode.

The song became a global success and earned Keith his first Grammy nomination in 2019.
He later received another Grammy nomination in 2024 in the Best Rap Song category for Drake and 21 Savage’s Rich Flex.

His influence also extended beyond the United States.

Keith produced Rain, the 2020 hit collaboration between British rappers AJ Tracey and Aitch, which reached number three on the UK Singles Chart and further cemented his international reputation.

Recognition And Industry Impact

Tay Keith’s influence on modern hip-hop continued to grow throughout his career.
In 2025, he was recognised on Forbes’ prestigious 30 Under 30 Music list, highlighting his contributions to the music industry and his growing legacy as one of the most impactful producers of his generation.

His production style helped define an era of rap music, with his beats becoming staples on radio, streaming platforms, and major charts worldwide.

Tributes Pour In

Following the announcement of his death, tributes quickly emerged across social media.
Memphis rapper BlocBoy JB, who had known Keith since they were teenagers, expressed his grief in an emotional Instagram post.

“We talked everyday yeen tell me you was leaving.”
The rapper also shared phone records showing how frequently they communicated.

British rapper AJ Tracey also paid tribute, describing Keith as:
“a legend of the game”
He added:
“I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say he had a big impact on my career.”

Beyond Xenophobia: The Political Strategy Behind Afrophobia in Africa

By
Henry Williams
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Afrophobia in Africa is increasingly shaping global perceptions of the continent at a time when African economies, culture, and innovation are experiencing unprecedented global recognition. While international headlines continue to frame the crisis as “xenophobia,” the violence and hostility directed primarily at Black African migrants reveal a far more targeted problem.

What Africa is witnessing is not simply fear of foreigners. It is Afrophobia in Africa — a growing pattern of anti-African hostility fueled by political manipulation, economic frustration, historical amnesia, and deepening social divisions.

Across social media platforms and global news coverage, disturbing scenes from Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town continue to overshadow stories of Africa’s economic transformation, industrial expansion, and cultural influence. The result is a dangerous contradiction: while Africa rises globally, Afrophobia in Africa continues to weaken continental unity from within.

Africa’s Economic Rise and Internal Contradictions

Africa’s industrial and cultural influence has expanded significantly over the past decade. Major investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, technology, energy, and entertainment are reshaping the continent’s future.

The Dangote Group’s multi-billion-dollar investments across Africa reflect a broader continental ambition for food security, industrialization, and economic independence. At the same time, African music, film, fashion, and digital innovation have become major global exports generating influence and revenue across international markets.

Yet despite this progress, Afrophobia in Africa continues to dominate international discourse.

Recurring anti-immigrant violence in South Africa has become symbolic of a wider continental challenge — one where Africans increasingly view fellow Africans as economic threats instead of strategic partners.

Afrophobia in Africa Is a Continental Problem

Although South Africa remains the most visible center of anti-immigrant violence, Afrophobia in Africa is not limited to one country.

Across different periods in African history, hostility toward African migrants has surfaced in Ghana, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Angola, and Uganda. Political rhetoric, economic pressure, and social frustrations have repeatedly been redirected toward vulnerable migrant communities.

This reveals an uncomfortable truth: Afrophobia in Africa is part of a larger continental identity crisis driven by unemployment, inequality, political opportunism, and unresolved colonial-era divisions.

The Forgotten History of African Migration

One of the greatest drivers of Afrophobia in Africa is historical ignorance.

South Africa’s industrial economy was built through regional African migration. During the mining expansions of the 1950s through the 1970s, migrant workers from Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Zambia formed a major part of the labor force that powered economic growth.

Migration was not an invasion. It was foundational to South Africa’s industrial history.

Entire communities were built around this interconnected African labor system. However, many younger Africans today have little understanding of this shared history, making them vulnerable to manipulation and extremist narratives.

Political Manipulation and the “Third Force”

The persistence of Afrophobia in Africa cannot be understood without examining political influence.

Economic hardship, unemployment, corruption, and inequality have created frustration among millions of young Africans. Rather than addressing governance failures directly, some political actors redirect public anger toward migrants and foreign Africans.

This strategy creates convenient scapegoats while protecting failed political systems from accountability.

A divided Africa benefits those who profit from instability. A united Africa represents economic leverage, political influence, and continental strength.

Echoes of Apartheid-Era Destabilization

The current rise of Afrophobia in Africa mirrors tactics used during the final years of apartheid.

Between 1985 and 1993, apartheid intelligence structures allegedly exploited ethnic divisions and funded proxy violence to weaken Black liberation movements. Internal conflict became a political weapon used to prevent unity among oppressed communities.

Today, similar patterns can be seen in modern populist movements that weaponize tribalism, regional identity, and anti-immigrant sentiment for political gain.

The strategy remains familiar:

  • exploit economic desperation;
  • redirect public frustration;
  • create internal enemies;
  • sustain division among Africans.

Why Afrophobia in Africa Threatens Continental Unity

The geopolitical consequences are already visible.

Countries such as Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique have periodically responded to anti-immigrant tensions involving their citizens abroad. Nigeria has also signaled concerns over the treatment of Nigerians in South Africa during previous outbreaks of violence.

Beyond diplomacy, Afrophobia in Africa threatens the long-term vision of continental integration under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

No continent can successfully pursue economic unity while normalizing hostility against fellow Africans.

Africa Needs Critical Thinking, Not Retaliation

Emotional outrage alone will not solve Afrophobia in Africa.

Social media anger, retaliatory rhetoric, and nationalist hostility only deepen the divisions already weakening the continent. Africa requires deeper political awareness, historical education, and collective responsibility.

Africans must begin asking difficult questions:

  • Who benefits when Africans distrust each other?
  • Why are migrants blamed for governance failures?
  • Who gains politically from division and instability?

These questions are central to understanding the deeper forces sustaining Afrophobia in Africa.

Ubuntu and the Future of African Unity

Africa’s future depends on whether Africans can resist systems designed to divide them.

The philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — remains one of the continent’s most powerful survival principles. In an era of rising nationalism, economic competition, and political manipulation, solidarity among Africans is no longer optional.

If Africa is to achieve true economic and geopolitical strength, Afrophobia in Africa must be confronted not only as a social problem, but as a strategic threat to continental unity itself.

Thirty-Five Killed As Gunmen Attack Niger’s Main Airport

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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At least 35 people have been killed after armed gunmen launched an attack on Niger’s largest airport in the capital Niamey on Thursday, officials have confirmed.

The violence erupted at Diori Hamani International Airport shortly after residents had completed morning prayers, with witnesses reporting explosions and heavy gunfire near the facility, which also serves as a military base.

According to Niger’s defence ministry, the death toll includes 22 attackers, 11 soldiers, and two civilians. Authorities also said four of the attackers were wounded, while 20 suspects have been arrested following a subsequent manhunt.

On Thursday evening, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-linked group, claimed responsibility for the assault. The airport had previously been targeted in January in an attack attributed to an Islamic State-linked organisation.

Security forces regained control of the area by mid-morning and launched operations to track down any remaining suspects. Officials reported the seizure of a large weapons cache, including RPG-7 launchers, AK-47 rifles, explosives, grenades, communications equipment, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Residents living near the airport described scenes of panic and confusion. One witness told the BBC that the explosions were initially mistaken for unrelated sounds before it became clear an attack was underway. Another resident said some civilians attempted to join the response, armed with machetes and sticks, after attackers reportedly blended into the local population.

Authorities later restricted access to the airport area, stopping and searching vehicles as security operations continued.

The defence ministry blamed “armed mercenaries” allegedly backed by France, although no evidence was provided to support the claim. France has not responded.

Relations between Niger’s military government and France have deteriorated since the 2023 coup, with French troops expelled and replaced in part by Russian military contractors. The junta has repeatedly accused Western and regional actors of destabilisation efforts.

The African Union condemned the attack, praising Nigerien forces for repelling the assault and securing the airport.

Diori Hamani International Airport is one of the country’s most sensitive security sites, combining civilian aviation with military infrastructure and facilities linked to the Alliance of Sahel States, which includes Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—all governed by military juntas.

In January, a similar attack on the airport injured four soldiers and left 20 attackers dead, according to officials. The government later claimed foreign assistance helped prevent further damage, while also making unverified accusations against several foreign governments.

In recent weeks, authorities have demolished nearby neighbourhoods and expanded security measures around the airport, including extending perimeter fencing and installing hundreds of surveillance cameras amid ongoing concerns about militant activity.

Mexico Becomes First Team To Reach 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.

Midfielder Luis Romo scored the game’s only goal five minutes into the second half, tapping into an empty net after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with defender Lee Gi-hyuk.

South Korea came close to equalising late in the match when Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who also denied Yang Hyun-jun on the rebound.

Earlier, captain Son Heung-min thought he had put South Korea ahead after chipping Rangel, but Edson Alvarez cleared the effort off the line before the offside flag was raised.

Mexico, who were booed by sections of their home fans after a lacklustre first-half display, nearly doubled their advantage in the 75th minute, but Raul Jimenez was denied from a tight angle by Kim Seung-gyu.

Substitute Obed Vargas also tested the South Korean goalkeeper late on with a powerful strike, forcing another impressive save.

The victory maintained Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s side as Group A winners.

As group winners, Mexico will play both their Round of 32 match and a potential Round of 16 tie in Mexico City. They could face England in the last 16 if Thomas Tuchel’s side top their group and win their opening knockout fixture.

Despite the defeat, South Korea remain well placed to qualify for the knockout stage after their opening victory over the Czech Republic.

South Korea will face South Africa in Monterrey on Thursday, while Mexico take on the Czech Republic in their final Group A match at the same time in Mexico City.

FG Releases Transition Guidelines For Nigeria’s New Tax Regime

By
Enyosa Favour
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The Federal Government has issued comprehensive guidelines to facilitate the transition from Nigeria’s repealed tax laws to the new tax framework that came into effect in 2026.

Released on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the guidelines provide clarity on how tax obligations, audits, disputes, incentives, and filings that span both the old and new systems will be managed during the transition period.

The new tax regime officially took effect on January 1, 2026, following the implementation of a series of tax reform laws aimed at modernising revenue administration and strengthening tax compliance across the country.

How Existing Tax Matters Will Be Handled

According to the ministry, tax liabilities, audits, investigations, disputes, and enforcement actions relating to periods before January 1, 2026, will continue to be administered under the repealed tax laws.

Likewise, tax returns covering accounting periods that ended before the commencement date will be filed under the previous legal framework, while obligations arising from January 1, 2026, onward will be governed by the new tax laws.

Providing Certainty for Taxpayers and Businesses

The government explained that the transition guidelines were developed to address practical concerns arising from the shift to the new system and to ensure consistent implementation by tax authorities nationwide.

The reforms are anchored on four key legislations:

  • Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act
  • Nigeria Tax Act
  • Nigeria Tax Administration Act
  • Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Act

The guidelines also clarify how tax incentives, exemptions, development levies, and record-keeping requirements will be treated under the new regime.

A major provision ensures that tax incentives and exemptions granted under the previous laws will remain valid until their scheduled expiration dates.

The government said this measure is intended to reassure businesses and investors that commitments made under the former tax framework will be respected.

However, any new applications or pending requests for tax incentives will be assessed under the provisions of the new tax laws.

“No Retrospective Application”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the transition framework was designed to guarantee a smooth migration to the new tax system without applying the laws retroactively.

“The document provides a framework for managing transitional issues while ensuring that the new laws are not applied retrospectively,” he said.

Oyedele described the Tax Acts 2025 as a major milestone in the government’s fiscal reform agenda, adding that the framework would provide certainty for both taxpayers and tax administrators.

According to the ministry, the guidelines are built on the principles of clarity, fairness, and administrative certainty.

Part of Nigeria’s Wider Tax Reform Agenda

The transition framework forms part of Nigeria’s broader tax reform programme, which aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and growth-focused revenue system.

Government officials said the guidelines will support uniform implementation across the:

  • Nigeria Revenue Service
  • State Internal Revenue Services
  • Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service
  • Local Government Revenue Committees
  • Tax practitioners and consultants

The government maintains that the reforms are designed to strengthen voluntary tax compliance, improve revenue generation, and create a more predictable business environment without placing unnecessary burdens on economic activity.

According to the ministry, the framework is expected to reduce uncertainty for businesses and investors while supporting the effective implementation of Nigeria’s new tax regime.

Lawyer Representing Besigye Charged With Treason-Related Offence

By
Ayomitunde Adeyemi
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A former Kampala mayor and lawyer representing detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been charged with a treason-related offence.

Erias Lukwago appeared before a magistrate’s court in Kampala looking visibly weak, according to local media, days after he was arrested at his home. He denied the charge of failing to report treason and was remanded in prison until next week when his case will be heard.

Lukwago’s arrest on Monday drew widespread criticism after Uganda’s military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, publicly claimed responsibility for the arrest on social media.

Opposition politician Bobi Wine, who fled Uganda after contesting the January presidential election, alleged that Lukwago was arrested on Kainerugaba’s orders while preparing to serve the military chief with court documents. Wine described the arrest as an act of “brazen impunity.”

Lukwago’s family also petitioned the court, accusing security officers of abducting him and demanding that authorities reveal his whereabouts and release him “dead or alive.”

Kainerugaba later shared photos on X appearing to show Lukwago blindfolded at an undisclosed location and posted that he was “proud of all the hurt and pain” he would inflict on the lawyer. The military chief has previously faced criticism for making similar posts about opposition figures.

Lukwago is part of the legal team defending Besigye, a longtime rival of President Museveni, who has been detained on treason charges since he was allegedly abducted in neighbouring Kenya and returned to Uganda in late 2024.

Besigye, once Museveni’s personal doctor before falling out with him in 1999, has challenged the president in several elections and has been arrested multiple times over the years.

Ukraine Strikes Moscow Refinery Again In Major Drone Attack As Russia Fires Missiles At Kyiv

By
Enyosa Favour
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Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Moscow on Thursday, targeting the Russian capital’s oil refinery for the second time this week. Kyiv said the operation was a response to a recent strike that damaged the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a religious site with nearly 1,000 years of history.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy defended the attack, insisting Ukraine did not seek the conflict but would continue to respond to Russian aggression.

“We don’t want this war, we never did, and everyone knows it, and our partners know it,” Zelenskiy said in a voice message sent to reporters. “But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn.”

The latest escalation came as Russia launched fresh missile attacks on Kyiv, marking the second strike on the Ukrainian capital this week. The attack followed international condemnation over damage caused to the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, although Moscow denied responsibility.

In Moscow, eyewitnesses reported flames and thick smoke rising from the Kapotnya district in the city’s southeast, where the refinery that supplies fuel to the capital is located.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that several Ukrainian drones reached the refinery area, while a nearby shopping centre sustained minor damage.

Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted 555 drones across the country, with 180 reportedly destroyed in the Moscow region alone. State news agency TASS described the incident as one of the largest drone attacks on Moscow this year.

Ukraine’s military confirmed the refinery strike and stated that additional operations targeted an oil depot in Russia’s Rostov region and two strategic bridges, as Kyiv intensifies efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and military supply routes.

More than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drone strikes against Russian energy infrastructure, while Russia continues missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Kyiv argues that advances in drone warfare are helping shift momentum on the battlefield and increasing pressure on Moscow to negotiate a peace settlement.

The Ukrainian president has also stepped up diplomatic efforts aimed at securing greater international support and pushing Russia toward negotiations.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed residents of the Russian capital directly in a post on X:

“One of the most popular questions asked by Muscovites this morning is ‘What is going on?’ I can answer. Your country started a war of aggression against ours. For years, it has been killing our people. Now that you know what’s going on, ask Putin when he is planning to end it.”

Zelenskiy described the strikes as a justified response to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukrainian communities and military infrastructure.

Russia has maintained that Ukraine is losing the war and continues to insist that Kyiv must cede territory before meaningful peace negotiations can take place.

Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said the latest Ukrainian attacks have further reduced the chances of direct talks between President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskiy.

Nevertheless, Ukraine maintains that its military actions are aimed at weakening Russia’s war capabilities.

A previous drone strike on Moscow’s refinery earlier this week had already forced a temporary shutdown of operations, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The continued attacks are placing additional pressure on Russia’s energy sector. Industry sources say the country may be forced to import fuel by sea this month due to supply disruptions caused by repeated strikes on refineries.

Authorities in the Moscow region reported damage to a residential high-rise building, an industrial facility and several private homes. Sixteen people were reportedly injured.

Air traffic was temporarily suspended at all Moscow airports, while traffic along roads surrounding the refinery was halted. Sheremetyevo Airport, the city’s busiest aviation hub, was reportedly evacuated as a precaution.

Elsewhere in Russia, officials said a Ukrainian drone strike killed a man in his vehicle in the Belgorod region near the border. Another attack in the Rostov region left one person dead and triggered fires at two commercial facilities.

Meanwhile, explosions were reported across Kyiv as air raid alerts were activated in much of Ukraine.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, said Russia launched ballistic missile attacks against the capital. Authorities had not released details of casualties or damage at the time of reporting.

In northeastern Ukraine, officials in Sumy said one person was killed in an overnight drone strike. In the southeastern city of Dnipro, a Russian attack reportedly killed one person and injured 11 others, according to regional authorities.

Diezani Alison-Madueke Breaks Silence After UK Court Clears Her Of Bribery Allegations

By
Enyosa Favour
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Former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has reacted publicly after a court in the United Kingdom cleared her of bribery-related charges.

The former minister was recently acquitted by a London court of several allegations, including claims of accepting bribes and conspiracy to commit bribery.

Speaking after the verdict, Diezani described the ruling as a source of relief and gratitude following what she characterised as a lengthy and emotionally draining legal battle that lasted almost 11 years.

According to her, the prolonged court proceedings placed a heavy burden not only on her but also on her family members and close associates.

She explained that the case had affected her elderly mother in Port Harcourt, her son, and other loved ones who lived with years of uncertainty surrounding the allegations.

Diezani noted that she remained in the United Kingdom throughout the legal process and expressed appreciation that the matter had finally reached a conclusion.

She also stated that she served the country to the best of her ability during her time in office and remained confident as the case progressed through the courts.

The former minister described the judgment as the closing of a difficult chapter in her life, saying the experience had tested her strength and resilience over the past decade.

Her acquittal marks the conclusion of one of the most high-profile legal cases involving a former Nigerian public official in recent years.

Governors Reaffirm Support For State Police, Power Reforms

By
Enyosa Favour
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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has renewed its support for major national reforms, including the creation of state police, the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, and agricultural development programmes aimed at enhancing security, boosting food production, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, made this known on Thursday while presenting the communiqué issued after the Forum’s second meeting of 2026 held in Abuja.

The communiqué was signed by the NGF Chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to the governors, these reforms are essential to tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and promoting long-term economic growth.

The Forum noted that insecurity caused by Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities has continued for more than two decades, particularly in northern Nigeria, resulting in significant loss of lives and displacement of communities. It added that the security threat has increasingly spread to parts of southern Nigeria.

Speaking on the issue of state policing, Abiodun said:

“The Forum received a presentation from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of the Honourable Attorneys-General of the States on efforts to support establishing State Police in Nigeria. It noted a dedicated consultation with the Attorneys-General to review the proposed constitutional amendments and frameworks.

“Governors emphasised the need for the State Police to be constitutionally sound and aligned with federalism and citizens’ rights. The Forum noted the collaborative effort and added that the consultation outcomes would strengthen the States’ collective position.

“The Forum received a presentation from the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on progress under the National Nutrition 774 Initiative. The Forum reaffirmed the Governors’ commitment to improving nutrition outcomes and reducing child malnutrition across Nigeria.”

Abiodun also revealed that governors received updates on the National Nutrition 774 Initiative and the proposed National Nutrition Bill, reiterating their commitment to reducing child malnutrition through improved policy implementation and coordination.

He further stated:

“The Forum received a briefing from the World Bank Country Office on the proposed Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria covering the period FY2026–2032; the proposed Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth Programme, a results-based initiative designed to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen value chains, increase private sector participation, enhance food security, and Early Childhood Development.

“The Forum supported ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and deliver benefits to participating states. Governors approved state-specific interventions and stressed the importance of better coordination across sectors like health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, social protection, and family support.”

The governors also considered the National Solar Super-Grid Initiative, a project designed to expand electricity access through decentralised solar power generation connected to the national grid.

According to the communiqué, the initiative could significantly improve energy security, drive industrialisation, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic development across the country.

Abiodun added:

“The Forum noted the initiative’s potential to support industrialisation, improve energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.”

The governors concluded by reaffirming their commitment to ongoing power sector reforms and closer collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities nationwide.

Equatorial Guinea Government Resigns Over Poor Performance And Missed Targets

By
Enyosa Favour
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The government of Equatorial Guinea has resigned after reportedly failing to achieve its key objectives, according to Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

Obiang, who is also the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, disclosed that Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua submitted the resignation of the entire cabinet after the administration reportedly achieved less than 10 percent of its planned targets.

Although the specific targets were not outlined, a statement from the ruling Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) indicated that the president was dissatisfied with the government’s performance, citing concerns over corruption and the lack of progress in diversifying the country’s economy.

President Obiang, regarded as the world’s longest-serving head of state, has governed the oil-rich Central African nation since 1979 and has frequently appointed relatives to influential government positions.

The outgoing administration was appointed in 2024, with Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua serving as prime minister.

Announcing the development on Tuesday, Vice-President Obiang stated that the resignation reflected the principle that public office holders must be judged by their results.

“The degree of execution achieved is clearly insufficient in relation to the expectations and commitments undertaken,” he wrote on X.

In a separate statement shared on Facebook, the ruling party said President Obiang had expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s management and is expected to appoint a new government.

The statement also accused the outgoing government of misusing public resources for personal gain and failing to advance key development projects.

Additionally, the president reportedly criticised the government’s inability to implement economic diversification policies, particularly in agriculture, which could help reduce the country’s dependence on imported goods that can be produced locally.

Equatorial Guinea’s economy remains heavily dependent on the petroleum sector, with oil and gas accounting for the majority of government revenue and exports.

Despite the country’s vast energy wealth, much of its estimated 1.8 million population continues to face poverty. Economic challenges have intensified in recent years as oil production and global demand have declined.

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