Africell expands partnership with NBA Africa to four countries

Africell, Africa’s only U.S.-owned mobile network operator, has announced the expansion of its collaboration with NBA Africa beyond Angola to include its other operating markets — the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

The partnership, launched in 2022 in Angola, has already impacted thousands of young people through Jr. NBA tournaments, basketball clinics, and court refurbishments, nurturing a new generation’s passion for the sport in one of Africa’s basketball powerhouses.

Building on that success, the initiative will now extend to the three additional countries, with a new Jr. NBA league set to tip off in Angola next month. In 2026, the programme will expand to include clinics and 3-on-3 tournaments across all four Africell markets.

Read Also: AFRICA24 to cover Afreximbank President George Elombi’s historic investiture live

The collaboration aligns with the Africell Impact Foundation’s focus on sports and healthcare, aiming to create meaningful social impact while supporting Africell’s commercial strategy by engaging youth and growing its customer base.

“The NBA brand has an incredible influence in Africa,” said Ziad Dalloul, CEO and Founder of Africell Group. “It represents aspiration, hard work, and excellence. We’re thrilled to expand this partnership to DRC, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, sharing the excitement of basketball with young people across our markets.”

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of the partnership:

“Our collaboration with Africell in Angola has shown how basketball can inspire and empower youth. We’re excited to bring that same energy to new countries where Africell is already deeply rooted and where the love for basketball is strong.”

The expanded Africell–NBA Africa partnership is expected to further promote youth development, teamwork, and community engagement across the continent.

AFRICA24 to cover Afreximbank President George Elombi’s historic investiture live

Pan-African media group AFRICA24 has announced plans for full coverage of the investiture and swearing-in ceremony of Dr. George Elombi, the newly elected 4th President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2025.

The two-day event will mark a historic leadership transition at Afreximbank, celebrating the achievements of outgoing President Professor Benedict Oramah while ushering in a new era under Dr. Elombi. The ceremony will also spotlight Afreximbank’s strategic vision to drive intra-African trade, economic integration, and sustainable growth across the continent.

Two-Day Event Overview

  • Friday, October 24: A series of thematic conferences under the theme “A Decade to Build the Pillars of Future Prosperity” will highlight Professor Oramah’s legacy and accomplishments.
  • Saturday, October 25: The official investiture and swearing-in ceremony will see Dr. Elombi present his vision for Afreximbank before an audience of heads of state, ministers, business leaders, institutional partners, and shareholders. The day will conclude with a press conference.

Read Also: Ohanaeze Lagos backs Tinubu’s 2027 bid

The investiture aims to reinforce Afreximbank’s core priorities — mobilising funding for intra-African trade, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and advancing inclusive growth through innovation, sustainable industries, and youth and women’s entrepreneurship.

AFRICA24’s Exclusive Coverage

AFRICA24 will deliver comprehensive 360° coverage of the event across its TV and digital platforms, reaching over 120 million households worldwide. The programming includes:

  • Live broadcasts of all conferences, ceremonies, and press sessions.
  • Exclusive interviews with Dr. George Elombi, Prof. Benedict Oramah, heads of state, and key economic stakeholders.
  • Behind-the-scenes reports, in-depth analyses, and expert insights into Afreximbank’s evolving leadership and Africa’s economic transformation.

Viewers can follow the “Special Afreximbank Days” coverage on AFRICA24 (Channel 249) and AFRICA24 English (Channel 254) on Canal+ Afrique, via myafrica24 — Africa’s first HD streaming platform — and on Africa24TV.com.

With the theme “Together, Let’s Transform Africa,” AFRICA24 reaffirms its commitment to showcasing stories that shape the continent’s future.

JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, lawyer arrested, Sowore claims

Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, has alleged that police officers deployed to disperse the demonstration have arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

In a post on his X account, Sowore alleged that policemen arrested Kanu’s brother, Ejimakor, and other bystanders.

Read Also: Police fire teargas at Sowore, ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protesters in Abuja

Sowore wrote: “The @PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and his lawyer, @AloyEjimakor, as well as innocent bystanders.

“They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately!”

Police fire teargas at Sowore, ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu’ protesters in Abuja

Police fired teargas in Abuja on Monday to disperse protesters led by activist Omoyele Sowore, who gathered to demand the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

The demonstrators, chanting “Free Kanu now,” marched peacefully near the Federal High Court before security operatives moved in, firing canisters to break up the crowd.

Read Also: U.S. Embassy issues security alert ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja

Sowore and several others were seen scampering for safety as the area was engulfed in smoke, while eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic.

Despite the disruption, the protesters vowed to continue their agitation until Kanu regains his freedom.

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Akpabio not a killer, former lawmaker declares

Mr Nse Ntuen, a former Akwa Ibom house of assembly member ( Essien Udim) says allegations leveled against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, as a killer is false.

Ntuen in a statement in Uyo on Sunday, said the allegation is baseless.

He described the claims circulated by Akpabio’s sister-in-law, Mrs Patience Akpabio, as malicious, and inconsistent with both the character and public record of Akpabio, haven known him for more than 50 years.

Ntuen, also a former chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, Akpabio’s council of origin, said the allegation, which had no basis, is steeped in personal bitterness and deliberate mischief rather than in any verifiable fact or credible grievance.

“We must never allow a culture of reckless falsehood to replace dialogue and truth. These claims are not merely offensive; they represent a conscious attempt to erode the dignity of honest leadership and to sow unnecessary discord among a people united by shared history and respect,” Ntuen said.

Read Also: Akpabio not hospitalised, hale and hearty in London – Gbenga Daniel

Ntuen aligned himself with the recent resolution of the Greater Akpabio Family, which unanimously expressed confidence in the senate president and reaffirmed the family’s unbroken unity.

He added that the statement by the family, being the most authoritative voice on domestic matters of this nature, has settled the issue firmly and should be respected as such.

“These spurious attacks are not only affronts to Akpabio’s person but also to the collective reputation of Essien Udim and by extension, Akwa Ibom and Nigeria,” he said.

He described the allegation as distractions, especially now that the senate president is leading the National Assembly in charting legislative frameworks for economic recovery and national renewal.

“It is disappointing that anyone would choose to distract public attention with malicious fiction and self aggrandisement.

“The public is therefore, advised to disregard such falsehoods, which serve no purpose other than to inflame passions and divert focus from meaningful governance,” he said.

He commended Akpabio for remaining calm and self-restraint in the face of provocation, describing it as evidence of both personal strength and political maturity.

He reaffirmed his loyalty to Gov. Umo Eno’s vision of peace and inclusive governance and his continued support for Akpabio as a son of Akwa Ibom.

“We stand with our leader, our brother, and our pride. Those who traffic in falsehood will find that truth is patient but enduring.

“The focus now must remain on the great task of nation building, to which Akpabio continues to dedicate himself with calmness, clarity and conviction,” he said.

(NAN)

Osinbajo leads ECOWAS election observation mission to Cote d’Ivoire

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appointed Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to lead its Election Observation Mission to the upcoming presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.

ECOWAS Secretariat announced this in statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

The election is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Read Also: ECOWAS Bank approves €174m for investment, $125m to boost trade

The mission will be deployed from Oct. 19 to Oct. 29 in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

As Head of Mission, Osinbajo will lead a team of eminent West Africans tasked with engaging key national stakeholders to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The team will also engage stakeholders towards fostering cooperation with other international and domestic observer groups, and assessing the conduct of the polls.

The deployment of this Observation Mission underscores ECOWAS’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability, and credible elections in the sub-region.

(NAN)

Huawei smartwatch sales set to rise above 60% in Taiwan by 2025

Huawei Technologies has projected a significant rise in its smartwatch sales in Taiwan, expecting up to a 60% increase by the end of 2025, driven by strong consumer demand for its innovative wearable products.

According to Yong Hai, General Manager of Taiwan Huawei Technologies, the company’s smartwatch and audio wearable segments have performed exceptionally well in the Taiwanese market this year. He revealed that Huawei led the global wearable market in the first half of 2025, and current trends suggest even stronger results in the second half.

“Huawei smartwatch sales may hit the 60% mark in Taiwan by the end of this year,” Yong said, noting that the company’s technological advancements and product diversity continue to attract a broad range of consumers.

Huawei’s performance in H1 2025 showed a 40% increase in smartwatch sales, and forecasts indicate that the company could achieve an overall 60% combined growth in smartwatches and audio wearables by year-end.

The recent release of the Watch GT 6 series, Watch D2 Blue, and Watch Ultimate 2 has further strengthened Huawei’s position in the wearable tech space. These devices boast standout features such as 21-day battery life, sonar-based underwater communication, and 150-meter diving capability, giving them an edge over rivals like Apple and Samsung.

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Interestingly, over half of Huawei smartwatch users are iPhone owners, reflecting the brand’s success in ensuring cross-platform compatibility between iOS and Android systems.

Yong attributed Huawei’s success to its heavy investments in research and development (R&D), alongside the company’s commitment to its “all-scenario smart life” strategy, which focuses on delivering comprehensive and seamless connectivity experiences.

He also acknowledged that Huawei’s limited smartphone presence has, in some ways, been advantageous for its wearable division.

“Lack of mobile phone support may seem like a challenge, but it feels like a blessing in disguise,” Yong stated. “Huawei is actively improving the cross-platform compatibility of its products to maintain a better connection experience with other brands’ devices.”

With its strong innovation drive and growing ecosystem of interconnected products, Huawei appears well-positioned to sustain its dominance in the global wearables market through 2025 and beyond.

UK reduces post-study work visa for International Students to 18 months

The United Kingdom has announced a major change to its immigration policy, reducing the post-study work visa period for international graduates from two years to 18 months, effective 2027.

The new policy, revealed by the UK Home Office in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), is aimed at encouraging international students to secure graduate-level employment more quickly after completing their studies.

“Many students who come to the UK do not transition into graduate-level employment. The UK needs students to contribute meaningfully to the UK economy,” the Home Office stated. “That’s why, from 2027, eligible students will have 18 months after course completion to secure graduate-level employment.”

Read Also: Easiest countries for Nigerians to get Visa

Prior to this change, international students were allowed to remain in the UK for two years after graduation under the Graduate Route visa. The visa allows graduates to stay and work — or look for work — without needing a specific job offer. PhD holders, however, continue to be eligible for a three-year post-study work period.

The decision is part of broader immigration reforms designed to ensure that the UK attracts and retains skilled talent that contributes directly to its economy.

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking academic excellence and post-study employment opportunities.

Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, nab key terrorists’ collaborators – Army

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have in the last 24 hours, rescued no fewer than 23 kidnap victims, apprehended key terror collaborators and destroyed illegal oil refineries in different parts of the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops had sustained momentum in ongoing counter-terrorism and internal security operations nationwide.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI apprehended three Chadian nationals at Gamboru Motor Park in Ngala, Borno, with 12 Starlink internet devices and a solar battery suspected to be logistics meant for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists.

Also in Yobe, the source said the troops of 233 Battalion intercepted a tricycle conveying fuel and other supplies for insurgents.

According to him, troops of 222 Battalion under 21 Special Armoured Brigade repelled an ambush in Konduga, killing one terrorist and recovering a dane gun.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

In the North Central, he said the troops under Operations Mesa and Whirl Stroke recorded major breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers at Akuna village in Kogi.

According to him, a combined team of troops and security agencies rescued 23 kidnap victims, including four Chinese nationals, from terrorists’ enclaves in Chigogo Hills, Kwara.

“Troops also foiled a kidnap attempt along the Chikara–Abaji road, rescuing one victim and evacuating two others with injuries, while two suspected terrorist leaders were arrested in Shendam, Plateau.

“In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA raided a hotel in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, believed to be a kidnappers’ den.

“Two men claiming to be police officers were caught with two AK-47 rifles, 58 rounds of ammunition, and other items.

“Four hotel staff were also taken into custody,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, the sources said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed illegal refining sites in Delta and Rivers States.

“At Ughoton in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta, troops seized 775 litres of illegally refined diesel hidden in a hotel and arrested the manager.

“Another 150 litres of kerosene was intercepted from suspected bunkerers in Rivers State, who have been handed to the NSCDC,” he added.

(NAN) 

Sporty TV rolls out free-to-air sports packages for Nigerian audience

 Sporty TV, a fast-growing free-to-air sports network, has announced the rollout of new sports content packages aimed at the Nigerian market.

Oluchi Enuha, Executive Representative of the network in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Enuha said the packages were unveiled on Oct. 17.

He said the initiative would revolutionise sports broadcasting in Nigeria and beyond, noting that the packages were designed to provide premium sports content to viewers at no cost.

Enuha also announced a partnership between Sporty TV and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), as well as other international media organisations, to enhance content delivery.

Read Also: Chelsea crushes Nottingham Forest 3–0 as Postecoglou sacked minutes after defeat

“This is an unprecedented delivery of value and premium content at no cost to the Nigerian viewer.

“We are delivering more than 600 live events including the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, German Bundesliga and South American football.

“We will also deliver some Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifying matches (play-offs), the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals and even the just-concluded 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan,” he said.

According to him, the partnership will set new standards for free-to-air television and offer both viewers and advertisers access to top-tier content.

He said Sporty TV leveraged cutting-edge technology, world-class production and strategic alliances to ensure broad accessibility through its YouTube channel and mobile applications.

Enuha said the goal was to ensure that every Nigerian household had access to premium sports content, with convenience and wide reach.

(NAN)