News April 14, 2026 Ambassador Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus: Champion of Business, Fashion, and Diplomacy

Ambassador Ekwutoziam Ashiedu Chinedu Ogwus has established herself as one of Africa’s most influential figures, with remarkable achievements spanning business, fashion, and diplomacy. Her recognition as one of the 100 Iconic Personalities of 2026 with the award “Icon award for African Economic Advancement “ at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, alongside the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and Management by the American Management University, California, marked a defining milestone in her career. These honors not only celebrated her personal success but also highlighted Africa’s growing presence on the global stage.  

The Lagos ceremony was a glamorous gathering of distinguished personalities, including comedian Alibaba, Dr. Kaffyat, reality star White-Money, and music producer Masterkraft, and other Celebrities icons and entrepreneurs. Their attendance underscored the significance of Ambassador Ogwus’s recognition and reflected the rising prominence of African leaders who continue to inspire and influence across diverse fields.  

Her accolades speak volumes about her impact. The 100 Iconic Personality Award recognized her leadership, innovation, and cultural contributions, while the honorary doctorate validated her entrepreneurial excellence and influence in global commerce. Together, these honors affirm her dual role as cultural ambassador and business leader, bridging African creativity with international enterprise.  

At the core of her entrepreneurial journey is Ekash Collections, the fashion brand she leads as CEO. Specializing in women’s wear, the brand has become a symbol of African fashion excellence, celebrated for its creativity, quality, and authenticity. Its international acclaim was solidified in 2025 when it won Best Women’s Wear Boutique at the Africa–UK Trade and Investment Conference in London 2025. Beyond recognition, Ekash Collections has created opportunities for women and served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, showcasing African identity on global stages.  

Ambassador Ekwutoziam influence extends beyond fashion into diplomacy and trade. She has championed international partnerships that empower African entrepreneurs, fostered cultural exchange between Africa and Europe, and mentored young female leaders. Her journey embodies inspiration and legacy—elevating African fashion globally, empowering women, and reinforcing Africa’s cultural and economic footprint. Truly, Ambassador Dr. Ekwutoziam stands as a trailblazer whose achievements resonate far beyond her own career, symbolizing the spirit of African excellence and global influence.

News Politics April 14, 2026 You won’t get away with illegalities – Atiku fires warning at INEC chairman

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has said the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Joash Amupitan will not get away with alleged illegalities.

Atiku, who spoke at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention, in Abuja, yesterday, alleged INEC was being used to undermine democracy in the country.

The former president noted that Federal Government should be aware that pro-democracy forces fought the military to restore democracy in the country and was ready to take on the government to achieve same purpose.

Nonetheless, Atiku, while recalling his sojourn in the All Progressives Congress (APC) appealed to members of the ADC to ensure that the country experience real change this time around.

“Every issue, every challenge, every problem confronting us as a country and as a people has been stated on this platform. What I would like to appeal to Nigerians, and particularly members of the ADC, is to make sure that this time around, we really need to change the situation in the country.

“I remember when the APC was being formed, the entire political leadership in this country came to my house. ‘If you don’t come into the APC, this is not going to be possible.’ They literally compelled me to join the APC. Only for us to enter the APC, our economy is gone, our sovereignty is gone, our security is gone, our education is gone, our infrastructure is gone. The healthcare is gone.

“Now, people like me, we must rise and make sure that there is change, genuine change, a serious change to rectify all these challenges that are happening in the country. I am in this game. We are going to win. Because of you, the young men and women, our children and our grandchildren, this country has been good to us.

“And we don’t believe that this country is being good to the current generation, to the youth, to the women, and to the future of this country. That is why we are here today.  You will see real change. Believe me, you cannot get away with corruption in the government of ADC. You cannot. You cannot get away with compromising with criminals and terrorists to make life impossible in this country. No. That is not what we intend to do. Absolutely not.

“I will not end these remarks without indicting the chairman of INEC and INEC itself, because it is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. Now, INEC is being used to undermine democracy in this country.

“Let the federal government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country.

“Let the chairman know we are not going to let him get away with his illegalities. We will not. And I hope we will have your support and cooperation to make sure we return to true democracy, to true development in all aspects of human endeavor.”

Similarly, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while speaking at the convention, decried the state of affairs in the country. Obi, who  said the country is collapsing stated there is need to arrest the drift.

“We need to work as a united Nigeria for the sake of Nigeria. The country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it will remain more divided. Your unity is important. Your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse.

“If you check your indexes today, when the present government came into being, Nigeria ranking in terrorism was number eight. Today, we are number four. So in the next four years, we will be number one.  When this government came into being, if you go and check World Bank records, our poverty rate was 41.6 percent, 88 million people. Today, we are 63 percent, 140 million. So they have almost doubled that,” he stated.

News April 14, 2026 Singapore Set for Explosive Nigerian Tech Takeover as NIMENA Unveils Global Innovation Night to Connect Startups With Billion-Dollar Investors

Nigeria’s maritime and energy innovation ecosystem is about to step onto the global stage in what insiders are already describing as a bold and strategic international move that could reshape the country’s economic future, as Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) officially announces a landmark global event designed to connect Nigerian innovators directly with international investors, venture capitalists, and global technology leaders.

Scheduled for April 24, 2026, the highly anticipated “NIMENA Innovation Night” will take place at The Great Room, Centennial Tower in Singapore, bringing together an elite gathering of global venture capital firms, maritime leaders, policymakers, and high-growth startups from around the world, with Nigerian innovation positioned at the center of the spotlight. 

The announcement signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s economic positioning strategy, as the country moves from its traditional reliance on natural resources toward a more innovation-driven maritime and energy economy. According to the official press brief, the event is designed to serve as a powerful global platform where Nigerian startups operating within marine engineering, offshore technologies, and energy innovation sectors will pitch their solutions directly to international investors and strategic partners. 

Beyond just a networking event, the initiative is part of a broader global acceleration programme aimed at connecting Nigerian innovators to international markets, advanced technology ecosystems, and investment pipelines capable of scaling local innovations into global solutions. The programme also seeks to foster technology transfer, encourage cross-border collaboration, and elevate Nigeria’s role in the fast-growing global blue economy. 

Speaking on the significance of the event, NIMENA National Chairman, Dr. Eferebo I. Sylvanus, described the initiative as a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors, emphasizing that the goal is to create a global bridge linking Nigerian innovation with international capital, cutting-edge technology, and new opportunities capable of transforming the country’s economic trajectory.

According to him, the event is not just about showcasing startups but about repositioning Nigeria as an innovation-driven maritime nation capable of competing at the global level, while unlocking new investment opportunities and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in international maritime development. 

The initiative also aligns closely with Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy agenda, which has become a major priority for the federal government as it seeks to diversify revenue sources, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth. By leveraging global platforms like the Singapore event, NIMENA aims to attract foreign direct investment into Nigerian startups, promote indigenous technological solutions, empower youth-driven innovation, and accelerate industrial growth across the maritime and energy sectors. 

Industry observers believe the move could significantly boost Nigeria’s global reputation in marine engineering and offshore innovation, particularly as the global maritime industry increasingly looks toward emerging markets for scalable solutions and new technology breakthroughs.

The event is expected to attract participation from major government institutions and stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Nigerian High Commission in Singapore and a wide range of international investors and global partners. 

These engagements are expected to catalyze long-term partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria’s maritime innovation ecosystem while opening doors for Nigerian startups to secure funding, expand globally, and commercialize their innovations on a larger scale.

NIMENA, widely recognized as Nigeria’s premier professional body for marine engineering and naval architecture, has increasingly positioned itself as a key driver of maritime innovation, technology advancement, and professional development within the country. The upcoming Innovation Night marks one of the institution’s most ambitious international initiatives yet, signaling Nigeria’s growing ambition to become a major player in the global maritime and energy innovation space. 

As anticipation builds ahead of the April 24 event, industry leaders say the Singapore gathering could become a turning point for Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions, potentially unlocking new investment channels, fostering international partnerships, and giving Nigerian startups the global exposure needed to scale their solutions beyond local markets.

If successful, NIMENA Innovation Night may not just be another international conference — it could mark the moment Nigerian maritime innovation finally steps into the global spotlight and begins competing for the billions flowing into the world’s blue economy.

News April 14, 2026 Convention: ADC expels Nafiu Bala, Leke Abejide, eight others

The David Mark-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expelled a factional chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe and the member representing Yagba federal constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide.

The party also announced the expulsion of other members, including a factional leader, Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, Stella Chukwuma, and four others.

According to the party, the affected members were expelled for alleged anti-party activities and attempts to create confusion and instability within the party.

The motion for their expulsion was moved by the senator for Adamawa South Senatorial District, Binos Yaroe and seconded by the member representing Kebbi/Tambuwal federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Abdussamad Dasuki.

The decision was taken at the party’s national convention in Abuja on Tuesday and was adopted by delegates through a voice vote.

Addressing delegates at the event, Chinedu Idigo, the party’s organising secretary, accused the ousted members of undermining the party by fueling internal divisions.

“They have sown seeds of discord within the party and sought to create factions, doubts, and confusion across the polity, the public, and regulatory authorities, thereby causing instability within the party,” he said.

“They were given time to retrace their actions but failed to do so.”

News April 14, 2026 Benin Republic’s finance minister Wadagni wins presidential poll

Benin presidential election favourite Romuald Wadagni swept to victory in the country’s polls, securing 94 percent of votes, according to provisional results.

The electoral commission published the preliminary tally overnight from Monday to Tuesday, though it has not yet issued final official results.

But Wadagni’s ability to conjure economic growth in the face of jihadist attacks gave him a clear lead, even if the eight million-strong electorate showed scant enthusiasm for either candidate, notably in the West African nation’s cities.

Wadagni’s opponent earlier conceded defeat even as votes were still being counted.

Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe offered congratulations to finance minister Wadagni, 49, who had been widely tipped to win after being endorsed by outgoing leader Patrice Talon.

“To… Romuald Wadagni, I offer my republican congratulations. Democracy requires mutual respect and the ability to rise above partisan divides,” Hounkpe said in his concession statement.

Talon stood down after two five-year terms since 2016. But in the capital Porto-Novo, turnout for Sunday’s vote ranged from 20 to 40 percent at some polling stations, while life in economic capital Cotonou was largely back to its usual bustle by Monday.

The electoral commission, CENA, said voter turnout across the country was 58.75 percent.

Hounkpe ran a low-key campaign and needed the help of the majority of lawmakers to secure the required parliamentary endorsements, even to get on the ballot paper.

The main opposition Democrats party did not field a candidate, as its leader, Renaud Agbodjo, failed to secure sufficient endorsements.

For the media, in the words of Le Telegramme daily, the election was “generally calm and well-organised”, while Le Matin Libre saw “Wadagni on his way to the Marina,” the presidential palace.

Le Patriote, however, saw “signs of an electoral heist”.

“We are waiting for the CENA to confirm in the coming hours what we already knew: the undisputed victory of our candidate,” leading Wadagni supporter Rominus Gnonlonfoun said ahead of the results.

Challenges ahead

Jean de Dieu Hadjinou, a member of Hounkpe’s party, said he did not trust “either social media or the premature celebrations of a camp that is already claiming victory”.

For Alimata, a lock seller in the Gbegemey neighbourhood, “if this election or Wadagni’s arrival can change our lives, we shall be happy but for now, we have to find a way to feed the family”.

Earlier, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) election observation mission praised “a peaceful atmosphere” and “the smooth running of the election.”

The head of Benin’s electoral commission, Sacca Lafia, said the election had taken place peacefully, although an electoral monitoring platform set up by civil society groups reported around one hundred incident “alerts”.

The cases involved voting stations that had opened early or where voting boxes appeared full before the start of voting.

Wadagni embodies continuity with the Talon era, which has seen Benin enjoy rapid economic growth, an expansion in tourism and the completion of numerous infrastructure projects.

But major challenges remain, including a huge wealth gap. The poverty rate is estimated at more than 30 percent and many people feel they have not felt the benefits of economic growth.

Benin’s growth will also depend on security, with the country’s north plagued by increasingly deadly jihadist violence, carried out mainly by Al-Qaeda’s Sahel branch, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM).

The next elections are not until 2033, as a constitutional reform passed last year has extended the presidential term from five years to seven and synchronised all elections to take place then.

AFP

News April 14, 2026 Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda is a scam – Aregbesola

Former political associate of President Bola Tinubu and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has mocked the current administration, declaring that the Renewed Hope agenda is a classic scam.

Aregbesola, who is the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also called on President Tinubu to resign over worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The former Osun State Governor, who made the call while delivering a speech at the ongoing ADC National Convention in Abuja, stated, “People who deliberately split the Peoples Democratic Party are today being falsely portrayed as political strategists. Since when has criminality become a strategy?

“The ADC does not, and will never, owe its existence to any individual or group, including an electoral body masquerading as a neutral umpire, with its leadership dressed in the attire of political partisanship.”

He added, “The ADC derives its existence from the aspirations and values of the Nigerian people, who are tired of the deceit and colossal mismanagement to which this country is being subjected. We owe our existence to the Nigerian Constitution.

“We declare that freedom of association, including the right to form or belong to any political party, is guaranteed and is a fundamental right.”

He explained that, “We are here because the ADC is on a rescue mission to reclaim the country from the strangulating grip of the ruling party.

“The APC is a party that has foisted on the country an electoral law that stinks of forgery, where making false claims in electoral documents is no longer considered invalid; in other words, the ruling party is normalising criminality.”

He stressed, “We proclaim our existence because our country is worth the necessary sacrifices. We cannot allow khaki-socracy in Nigeria. The government claims that the recent reduction in exchange rates demonstrates its mastery of the economy.

“This is false. In truth, the exchange rate, which was about 700 naira to the dollar in the open market, not the official rate, when this government assumed office in 2023, is now about N1,400. This amounts to a 100 per cent devaluation in an import-dependent economy.

“This is terribly devastating. The cost of a litre of fuel before this administration was between 185 and 238 naira. Depending on the part of the country, it is now about 1,400 per litre and still rising,” the former minister stated.

Aregbesola expressed concern that, “The administration told Nigerians that if it does not solve the power problem by providing a constant power supply, it should not be voted for a second time.”

“Today, power supply is far worse,” he said, adding, “with some parts of the country receiving an average of two hours daily. Some other parts also receive an average of two hours daily, while others have been in darkness for weeks and months.

“Ordinarily, having made such a promise and performed woefully, an honest president should simply step down and not seek re-election. Rather, what we are witnessing is the most desperate attempt by a candidate in Nigerian electoral history to retain power at all costs, even if it means undermining the entire democratic system.

“Distinguished delegates and our rival leaders, four years ago, this government promised Nigerians renewed hope for a better future. Now, three years into its four-year term, it still makes promises and offers renewed hope.

“When exactly will this hope come to fruition? The answer is simple. It is a scam. The answer is what? A scam! If allowed, this regime will continue shouting renewed hope into eternity. We have the duty to stop scammers from retaining power.”

The former Osun State Governor also condemned a series of violent attacks across the country that have led to significant loss of lives, describing the situation as a failure of President Tinubu’s administration.

He accused the government of worsening insecurity and alleged a lack of empathy in its response to national tragedies.

Aregbesola further criticised the state of education and the economy, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has risen from 18.3 million to nearly 20 million, while many Nigerians have been pushed into extreme poverty.

He continued, “Once again, distinguished delegates, the country is drifting, and we cannot allow this continued drift into hopelessness. This is why, as I pointed out earlier, the ADC is on a rescue mission.

“On this, there is no time to spare. We call on all conscientious citizens to join us, because a fence-sitter in movements like this that require decisiveness is either a traitor or a collaborator with those who seek to destroy our country,” he stated.

News April 14, 2026 Increasing insecurity across Nigeria Is politically motivated- Akpabio

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has alleged that the recent surge in insecurity across Nigeria is politically motivated and linked to the 2027 general elections.

Akpabio made the claim on Tuesday while delivering a goodwill message at the inauguration of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) headquarters, suggesting that some actors were sponsoring violence to undermine the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “You’re seeing insecurity today, and it’s even increasing because the election is coming. As soon as the election is over, for the first two weeks, you will not hear a single bomb blast because people are sponsoring it to distract you, and they don’t know what else to do, and they say this man is too good in many areas.”

Akpabio also pointed to what he described as growing political alignment with the president, noting that more governors have come under Tinubu’s influence since 2023.

He also referenced controversy surrounding an X account allegedly operated by INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, dismissing claims of bias in the electoral process.

“If the governors are attracted to him because he’s taking good care of the states. He came in with 18 governors, and today he has almost 32 governors under his fold out of 36. So, where do we belong?

“How do you win an election when you don’t have a structure? No political party is stable again in this country. Then they change and attack the people going to do the election. Then they brought out a tweet where the INEC chairman said, ‘Victory is sure,’ but he didn’t say victory is sure for APC or PDP. But the man said it’s manipulated, and nobody wants to hear.

“For me, whether manipulated or not, he said, victory is sure. He was not chairman of INEC then; he was just a lecturer, and anybody can support whoever he wishes to.”

However, INEC has since denied that its chairman owned or operated the account.

Akpabio’s comments come amid heightened security concerns nationwide, following a series of violent incidents in recent days.

Recalls that President Tinubu on Monday held a closed-door meeting with security chiefs, including the Chief of Defence Staff and heads of intelligence agencies, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to address the situation.

In the North-East, a recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly resulted in civilian casualties alongside suspected insurgents, drawing criticism from rights groups.

Similarly, a senior military officer, Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, was killed in an attack on a military formation in Borno State on April 9, 2026, while a separate incident claimed the lives of a colonel and several soldiers on Monday.

The deteriorating security situation has also drawn international attention, with the United States Department of State authorising the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja over safety concerns.