Home Blog Page 186

UK Introduces eVisas for Nigerians Applying for Study and Work Visas, Starting July 15

newsheadline247
-
0
UK Introduces eVisas for Nigerians Applying for Study and Work Visas, Starting July 15

Once a visa decision is made, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa

UK Introduces eVisas for Nigerians Applying for Study and Work Visas, Starting July 15

ABUJA — The British High Commission has announced a major shift in visa processing for Nigerians applying to study or work in the United Kingdom. Beginning 15 July 2025, most successful applicants in these categories will receive a digital eVisa rather than the traditional visa sticker (vignette) in their passport.

According to a statement from the High Commission, the change is part of the UK government’s broader move toward a fully digital immigration system aimed at improving security, speed, and convenience.

“From 15 July 2025, most individuals applying to enter the UK on study or work-related visas will no longer receive a physical visa sticker (vignette) in their passport,” the statement read.
“Instead, successful applicants will be issued an eVisa, a secure, online record of their immigration status. This change marks a major step in the UK Government’s transition to a modern, digital immigration system.”

However, the new policy will apply only to applications submitted on or after 15 July 2025. Applicants who begin the process before this date will still need to leave their passports at a Visa Application Centre and will receive a physical vignette.

The Commission clarified that visit visa applicants and some dependants, including spouses and children of students or workers, will continue to receive physical visa stickers for the time being.

Despite the shift to digital, all applicants are still required to visit a Visa Application Centre to submit biometric data.

“Despite the removal of the vignette for study or work visas, all applicants must still attend a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure,” the statement emphasized.

Once a visa decision is made, successful applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

“Applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account, to access their eVisa,” it added.

Gill Atkinson OBE, the Chargé d’Affaires at the British High Commission in Abuja, described the development as a major milestone in the UK’s immigration modernization journey.

“We’re making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK. From 15 July 2025, most people applying for study or work visas will get a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker in their passport,” she said.
“This is a further big step to a fully digital UK immigration system, making the process more secure, more efficient, and more convenient for students, professionals, and families.”

She also noted that while the digital rollout is significant, some categories remain under the current system, at least temporarily.

“However, if you’re applying as a dependant, like a spouse or child, of someone who is studying or working in the UK or if you are applying for a visitor visa, you’ll still receive a visa vignette sticker in your passport for the time being,” she added.

eVisas have already replaced Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) for individuals granted stay in the UK for more than six months. Holders of a UKVI account can now use the “View and Prove” service to digitally share their immigration status with landlords, employers, or educational institutions.

How to Obtain an eVisa:

  • Apply online via gov.uk
  • Visit a Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics
  • Keep your passport (if vignette is not required)
  • Follow UKVI instructions to create and link a digital account for eVisa access

The change represents a significant modernization in how Nigerian applicants access the UK, streamlining the process for thousands of students and professionals. Read More

Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo Urges Nigerian Students to Rise with Discipline, Lead with Emotional Intelligence

Lukman Omikunle
-
0
Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo Urges Nigerian Students to Rise with Discipline, Lead with Emotional Intelligence

“The world may reward noise, but history remembers those who led with empathy, vision, and self-control” – Agemo-Okuboyejo

By Lukman Omikunle

Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo Urges Nigerian Students to Rise with Discipline, Lead with Emotional Intelligence

ILARO, OGUN STATE – July 9, 2025 — In an electrifying and soul-stirring keynote address that drew rounds of applause and standing ovations, Risk and Information Security expert, Engr. Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo, delivered a powerful message to hundreds of Nigerian students at the Youth Symposium themed “Career Resilience: Navigating The Future Of Work” held at the Raheem Oloyo Conference Hall (Glass House), Ilaro, Ogun State.

The event was organised by the Students’ Union of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

 Addressing the theme with grace and gravitas, Agemo-Okuboyejo, represented by Mr Micheal Dada and Mr. Enitan Taiwo at the symposium, emphasized that beyond technical skills and qualifications, emotional intelligence is the true currency of leadership in today’s volatile world of work.

“Most people think youth strength lies only in physical vitality,” she began, quoting Proverbs 29:20. “But the real strength of young people lies in clarity under pressure, emotional control, and the ability to build lasting influence.”

In what she dubbed “The Silent Superpower,” the seasoned policy strategist underscored the value of emotional intelligence—describing it not as weakness, but as a form of controlled strength.

“The world may reward noise, but history remembers those who led with empathy, vision, and self-control,” she told the rapt audience. “Emotional intelligence makes people trust you, listen to you, and follow you—even when you have no formal title.”

She connected her insights to global icons such as J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, and John D. Rockefeller, noting how they wielded emotional mastery as a tool to shape modern capitalism—not just through ambition, but with restraint, foresight, and relationships.

Referencing the historic Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) of 1934, Agemo-Okuboyejo provided a compelling comparison to modern youth potential, warning against repeating past mistakes.

“They didn’t have weapons. They had ideas and strategic organisation,” she said of the NYM. “But when ego replaced empathy, and tribalism drowned unity, the movement crumbled. That is the danger of leadership without emotional maturity.”

To the students in attendance—mostly undergraduates, recent graduates, and young entrepreneurs—she offered practical, actionable tools for success in a shifting career landscape.

“You may not sit at the big table yet. But you can control how you show up when you’re called. Show up with discipline. Show up with self-respect. Show up with emotional intelligence.”

She urged the youth to develop “strategic advantages” such as, self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation and relationship-building.

She stated further that, “These are not soft skills. These are survival skills,” she stressed. “Especially in a world where the loudest voices often lack the deepest impact”

The speech also culminated in a rousing message of hope when she pointed out that “This is your season to till the ground, sow seeds, and water your future. In time, your harvest will match your hustle. Don’t wait to be given power—rise into it.”

The event, organized by the Union’s Youth Committee, included a heated debate titled “Is Career Resilience More Important Than Relying on Innate Talent for Career Success?” Students described the day as “transformational.” During the event, Agemo-Okuboyejo awarded fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to the winner of the debate contest, Okwuchi Joy, and also donated two hundred thousand naira (N200,000) to the Students’ Union chapter of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.

With her unique blend of corporate expertise and inspirational storytelling, Temitayo Agemo-Okuboyejo left no doubt that she is not only a force in boardrooms but a beacon to the next generation. Read More

Dangote Foundation distributes rice to 10,000 families in Bayelsa

newsheadline247
-
0
Dangote Foundation distributes rice to 10,000 families in Bayelsa

Dangote Foundation distributes rice to 10,000 families in Bayelsa

The Aliko Dangote Foundation has flagged off the distribution of   10,000 bags of rice, each weighing ten kilograms, to vulnerable households, people living with disabilities and the less privileged in Bayelsa State.

Deputy Governor Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who represented the Governor, Senator Douye Diri at the event commended Aliko Dangote for his philanthropic gesture and lucrative partnership with the state government in agriculture by accepting to be the off taker of the rice been cultivated in the state.

He said: “The Bayelsa State government has a very lucrative and viable relationship with the Dangote Group; we want to thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the relationship that he has established with us.

“We want to thank Dangote in the area of been a off taker for our rice production.  We are also looking forward to the issue of building a mill by the farm clusters and settlements

“We want to commend Dangote for conquering greed through his philanthropic virtues in the past 30 years. I want to urge us to emulate his acts of giving.”

Speaking during distribution exercise, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Edero Victor Ejiro, said the initiative is part of the foundation’s annual National Food Intervention Project, which aims to support over one million disadvantaged Nigerians across the country.

He stated that the foundation will be distributing 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the vulnerable population in the state.

He pointed that the Foundation’s distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country and is intended to cushion the effects of the hardship currently being experienced in the country.

His words: “We are here to present 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Bayelsa. The Aliko Dangote Foundation has been in existence for over 30 years and has been helpful in the areas of empowerment, nutrition and education.

“This distribution of rice is to support and complement the food security initiative that is been put in place by the various state governments and the rice distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country. Our target beneficiaries are market women, the vulnerable, physically challenged people, widows and artisans.

“We have seen the template that the state government wants to use to distribute the rice and we are impressed with what we saw, and we believe that they are going to do a thorough job by distributing the rice to the needy and vulnerable in our midst.

“This programme is to support families, support people in the grassroots to alleviate and back up synergy with the state government.”

Also speaking the Chairman Bayelsa State chapter of Joint National Association of People with Disability, (JNAPWD), Ekpomokumor Mayor, expressed appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for reaching out to them by putting food on their table in these trying times and commended the Bayelsa State government for selecting them to be part of the beneficiaries. With the flag off, the distribution exercise now shifts to the eight local governments in the State where the various councillors will ensure that the rice gets to the intended targets in their wards. Read More

Federal Government Sets 16 as Minimum Age for University Admission, Says Rule Is Non-Negotiable

newsheadline247
-
0
Federal Government Sets 16 as Minimum Age for University Admission, Says Rule Is Non-Negotiable

Federal Government Sets 16 as Minimum Age for University Admission, Says Rule Is Non-Negotiable

The Federal Government has officially declared 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the opening session of the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

“This policy decision reflects a balance between cognitive maturity and academic preparedness. 16 years is non-negotiable,” Dr. Alausa stated firmly.

He emphasized that the policy is aimed at upholding educational standards and ensuring students are emotionally and mentally ready for the academic rigours of higher learning.

The minister issued a stern warning to heads of institutions, declaring that any school found admitting underage candidates or involved in admission fraud would face severe consequences, including prosecution.

“This age requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable,” he reiterated.
“Institutional heads complicit in admission fraud will face strict legal consequences.”

The directive is expected to have far-reaching implications for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country, particularly those known to bend the rules for early admission seekers.

The age benchmark is part of broader reforms aimed at sanitising the admission process and ensuring credibility and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Details to follow…

Lagos LG Polls: LP Members Dump Party for APC Ahead of Council Election

newsheadline247
-
0
Lagos LG Polls: LP Members Dump Party for APC Ahead of Council Election

Lagos LG Polls: LP Members Dump Party for APC Ahead of Council Election

In a major political defection ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State, scores of Labour Party (LP) members formally switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a high-energy rally held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium).

Leading the defection was Femi Badia, Chairman of the Labour Party in Apapa Local Government Area, who brought along several members from the Lagos Central Senatorial District into the fold of the ruling APC.

Addressing a cheering crowd, Badia praised the leadership qualities and developmental achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring his group’s firm support for the APC going forward.

“We are here today to become part of the progressive movement,” Badia announced.
“We have been inspired by the remarkable achievements of President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos. This is our formal declaration of membership and our firm commitment to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. I can assure you that we will deliver our polling units come Saturday.”

The defectors were warmly received by Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who handed them the party’s flag and commended their decision to join what he described as the “winning team.”

“I congratulate you for embracing the vision of the progressives and aligning with the achievements of our leader, President Bola Tinubu,” Ojelabi said.
“In the APC, hard work is always recognised. You have chosen to be on the side of progress after witnessing what we’ve accomplished in Lagos State.”

Ojelabi also used the occasion to rally support for APC’s candidates in the July 12 local government elections, expressing confidence that the party would record a clean sweep across all 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

“We started our campaign in peace, and we are rounding it off today,” he noted.
“I thank all the leadership of this senatorial district, the GAC leaders, our cabinet members, and our teeming supporters across ethnic nationalities.”

The APC chairman emphasized the importance of continued grassroots mobilisation, urging party members to intensify door-to-door campaigns and reach out to non-Yoruba-speaking residents of the state.

“I appreciate all of you, especially the women and the youths. We know your importance and how you have been supporting our party. I have no doubt that come July 12, you will cast your votes for the APC for a better future.”

The defection is seen as a boost for the APC’s chances in the polls, reinforcing its dominance in Lagos politics while weakening the Labour Party’s foothold in key voting areas.

U.S. Halts Multiple-Entry Visas for Nigerians, Announces New Single-Entry Policy

newsheadline247
-
0
U.S. Halts Multiple-Entry Visas for Nigerians, Announces New Single-Entry Policy

U.S. Halts Multiple-Entry Visas for Nigerians, Announces New Single-Entry Policy

The United States government has implemented sweeping changes to its visa policy for Nigeria and several other countries, ending the issuance of multiple-entry visas for most Nigerian travelers.

In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, the new rule took effect on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and now limits most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to a single entry with a three-month validity.

The embassy explained that the change aligns with America’s global reciprocity policy, which requires visa arrangements to mirror those granted to U.S. citizens by other countries.

“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period,” the U.S. Embassy said.

However, the new rule does not apply to visas issued before July 8, 2025, which will remain valid according to their original terms.

According to the embassy, visa reciprocity is a standard practice worldwide and is “subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity.”

The statement reads: ”The United States Department of State has announced updates to its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy, impacting several countries, including Nigeria.

“Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

“Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity. We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity. You can view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

“U.S. visa criteria and standards are designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks. The U.S. Mission is working with the Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria can meet the criteria.

“Examples of standard criteria include: Secure Travel Documents: Ensuring countries issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.Visa Overstay Management: Implementing measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.

“Information Sharing: Sharing relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

“The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger. We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices. We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges.

“Nigerian travelers are encouraged to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date. The United States remains a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges. “We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries.”

Nigerians are urged to comply with visa conditions and ensure their travel documents remain valid and authentic.

The latest directive comes amid rising global concerns about immigration integrity and the need to tighten cross-border travel security.

“Too Many Presidents in One Room” – Segun Sowunmi Dismisses ADC Coalition as Doomed to Fail

newsheadline247
-
0
“Too Many Presidents in One Room” – Segun Sowunmi Dismisses ADC Coalition as Doomed to Fail

“Too Many Presidents in One Room” – Segun Sowunmi Dismisses ADC Coalition as Doomed to Fail

Prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, Segun Sowunmi, has poured cold water on the recently announced mega coalition formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a political house destined for internal conflict.

Speaking on Channels Television, Sowunmi was unsparing in his criticism of the group, which is made up of some of Nigeria’s most influential political heavyweights. The coalition, formed as a united front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, includes former Rivers State governor, Chibuike Amaechi; ex-Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai; former Senate President, David Mark; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.

But for Sowunmi, the alliance is nothing more than a ticking time bomb.

“They will quarrel among themselves over everything,” he declared bluntly.
“Everybody in that coalition suddenly wants to be president all at the same time, and they will not be able to agree.”

The coalition, which aims to unseat President Tinubu at the next general election, has already seen multiple aspirants—including Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi—openly expressing interest in the ADC’s presidential ticket, setting the stage for what could become a political showdown within the opposition bloc.

Sowunmi, who has in recent times softened his tone toward the Tinubu government following a meeting with the President, hinted that the ambitions driving the ADC coalition were already sowing the seeds of discord.

His comments underscore growing skepticism about the coalition’s sustainability, as political observers question whether such a diverse group—each with presidential ambitions and distinct ideological leanings—can truly unite under one banner.

With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the coming months will reveal whether the ADC alliance can overcome internal rivalries or collapse under the weight of its own ambitions.

Dangote Refinery reduces fuel price again, ex-depot price now N820 per litre

Lukman Omikunle
-
0
Dangote Refinery reduces fuel price again, ex-depot price now N820 per litre

Dangote Refinery reduces fuel price again, ex-depot price now N820 per litre

Dangote Refinery has again within a week interval reduced its ex-depot the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N840 per litre to N820 per litre, effective immediately.

It would be recalled that the company last week reduced its ex-depot price fromN880 to N840 per litre.

With assurance of steady supply of petroleum products, more independent marketers have joined the growing list of distributors retailing Dangote Refinery’s high-quality petroleum products across the country. 

Dangote Group’s spokesperson, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, confirmed the price adjustment in Lagos, stating: “PMS price has been reduced from N840 to N820 per litre effective immediately.

The previous reduction to N840 per litre had followed global crude oil market volatility, particularly during the 12-day geopolitical crisis in the middle east, which pushed up crude oil prices. 

The refinery’s existing partners—MRS, Heyden, Ardova (AP), Hyde, Optima, and Techno Oil—are expected to reflect the new pricing at their retail outlets. 

Additionally, several new marketing companies have joined Dangote’s distribution network. These include TotalEnergies, Garima Petroleum, Sunbeth Energies, Sobaz Nigeria Ltd., Virgin Forest Energy, Sixxco Oil Ltd., N.U. Synergy Ltd., and Soroman Nigeria Ltd. Others on the growing list are Jezco Oil Nigeria Ltd., Jengre, Cocean, Kifayat, Triumph Golden, Sifem Global, Riquest, and Mamu Oil, among others. 

The Dangote Refinery, the largest single-train refinery in the world, continues to expand its domestic fuel distribution footprint, offering competitive pricing and improving access to refined products across Nigeria. 

The refinery, recently, announced that it has invested over N720 billion to implement its initiative of deploying 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks for the nationwide distribution of petroleum products, saying it is expected to save Nigerians over N1.7 trillion annually. 

This step, the management, will see the refinery absorb over N1.07 trillion annually in fuel distribution costs. The initiative is also poised to significantly benefit over 42 million Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by reducing energy costs and enhancing profitability, the mega refinery said. 

The initiative, which eliminates transportation costs for fuel marketers and large-scale consumers, is expected to help reduce pump prices and inflation. 

From August 15, Dangote will begin the direct delivery of petrol and diesel to filling stations, industrial facilities, and other high-volume consumers, the company said earlier

Dapo Abiodun: A Desperate Governor Scrambling to Salvage a Tarnished Reputation Ahead of 2027

newsheadline247
-
0
Dapo Abiodun: A Desperate Governor Scrambling to Salvage a Tarnished Reputation Ahead of 2027

Dapo Abiodun: A Desperate Governor Scrambling to Salvage a Tarnished Reputation Ahead of 2027

Governor Dapo Abiodun has become a classic example of a desperate Nigerian politician who, having failed to inspire with leadership or leave behind a memorable legacy, is now resorting to last-minute patronage and panic appointments in a bid to curry favour from the very electorate he sidelined for over six years.

With the countdown to the end of his lackluster tenure ticking fast and whispers of a 2027 senatorial ambition growing louder, the Ogun State governor is clearly in political survival mode. 

In a move widely seen as an attempt to reposition himself and buy loyalty within his party, Abiodun on Monday announced the appointment of eleven new Senior Special Assistants, one Special Assistant, and a whopping twenty-seven liaison officers — a move that has triggered outrage and confusion across the state.

The appointments, coming just five weeks after he marked six years in office, were contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi. 

The statement, released from Abeokuta, did little to explain why the governor, who has consistently downplayed the importance of grassroots political inclusion, suddenly feels the need to “reward” party loyalists with appointments.

Analysts believe the appointments are not acts of governance, but a calculated political move aimed at pacifying aggrieved party members and consolidating support ahead of a senatorial bid — a strategy many describe as both belated and shallow.

“For six years, Dapo Abiodun ran a government that was aloof and disconnected from the realities of the people,” said a political commentator in Ijebu Ode. “Now, with nothing tangible to show as a legacy project, he’s dishing out appointments like freebies at a market square. It’s shameful.”

Residents across Ogun State are openly questioning the motive behind the sudden rush. Many see it as an insult to their intelligence and a clear indication that the governor is more interested in personal ambition than meaningful governance.

“What happened to these appointments in 2019? Or 2020? Or 2021 when party members cried out for inclusion?” asked a disgruntled APC youth leader in Yewa. “Dapo Abiodun ignored everyone for years, and now he wants to sprinkle titles around because he’s scared of what comes after 2027.”

Even within the ruling APC, murmurs of discontent continue to swell, with insiders confirming that the governor is under intense pressure to appease factions he once alienated.

More troubling for many indigenes is the glaring absence of any signature development project directly traceable to the governor’s administration. While his predecessors are still celebrated for impactful policies and capital projects, Dapo Abiodun, many say, will be remembered for missed opportunities and a glaring failure to lead with vision.

“The roads he takes credit for were started by previous administrations. His only visible legacy is a long list of government press releases and photo ops,” said Mrs. Ronke Alade, a civil servant in Abeokuta. “And now, these panic appointments — they are not for us, they’re for his future.”

With two years left in his tenure, the governor’s recent moves reek more of desperation than leadership. As he scrambles to rewrite his political narrative, it remains to be seen whether Ogun people — long disillusioned and ignored — will be swayed by his sudden largesse, or see through the thinly veiled bid to secure a soft landing in 2027.

For now, the verdict on the streets is clear: Dapo Abiodun is running out of time — and relevance.

Lagos Named World’s Fastest-Growing Emerging Tech Hub in 2025 — Statisense Report

newsheadline247
-
0
Lagos Named World’s Fastest-Growing Emerging Tech Hub in 2025 — Statisense Report

Lagos has emerged as the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem in 2025, according to a new report by renowned data analytics firm, Statisense. The ranking places Nigeria’s commercial capital ahead of global contenders including Istanbul, Pune, Mumbai, and Riyadh.

The Statisense report, published on social platform X, evaluated cities based on metrics such as enterprise value, unicorn count, funding growth, GDP per capita, and cost of living. Other cities rounding out the top 10 include Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Johannesburg, Chennai, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Additional emerging tech hubs named in the report include Kyiv, Mexico City, Vilnius, Jakarta, Bengaluru, Zagreb, Dhaka, Bangkok, Santiago de Chile, and Kampala.

Reacting to the news, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attributed the city’s rise to deliberate government policies and sustained investment in innovation and digital infrastructure.

Speaking at the Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 event on Monday, themed “Artificial Intelligence and the Lagos Digital Economy,” the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted Lagos’s proactive role in shaping Africa’s tech future.

“Through deliberate policies and investments, we have created an enabling environment that fosters innovation and positioned Lagos as a global player in the technology value chain. The achievements reflect the ingenuity of our people and our unwavering commitment to innovation. But we must continue to build on this foundation to secure our position as a leader in the global tech ecosystem,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also noted that startups based in Lagos raised over $1.2 billion in 2023, accounting for a remarkable 75% of all startup investments in Nigeria.

Delivering the keynote address at the event, Terrens Wu, Managing Director, Enterprise Business Group at Huawei Technologies, spoke on the evolution of global digital infrastructure and the growing dominance of artificial intelligence.

“From the first growth curve of the informatization age, human society has achieved ubiquitous interconnection, connecting a large number of users and causing a traffic explosion. This has accelerated the demand for digital transformation and spawned a second growth curve with 5G and cloud as the main engines,” Wu explained.

He said the third growth wave—defined by comprehensive intelligence—is now unfolding, driven by an exponential surge in AI computing needs.

“By the end of this year, we expect that the demand for AI computing power may exceed the demand for general computing power. Building an elastic and efficient multi-calculation infrastructure with optimal AI computing power, which is about building an AI-native cloud infrastructure, is the key to AI development,” Wu added.

The recognition of Lagos as the world’s leading emerging tech hub marks a significant milestone for Nigeria’s digital economy and solidifies the city’s position as a powerhouse for innovation on the African continent and beyond.

1...185186187...1,731Page 186 of 1,731