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Welcome to NowNowNaija! The Benin–Asaba Expressway project is making steady progress, promising to transform travel and trade in the region.

TOP STORY

BAECC Advances Benin–Asaba Expressway With Community Focus

The Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company shared updates on the construction progress, highlighting efforts to keep commuters informed and involved. Their pledge is to deliver a smooth, safe, and durable expressway spanning 125 km that will link Edo and Delta States under a sustainable public-private partnership.

Travelers along this route will soon experience shorter trips and safer road conditions, easing daily commutes and boosting opportunities for trade between the South-South and South-East regions. For local communities, active engagement means their voices shape the project's progress and benefits, fostering trust and collaboration that ensures the road is built with their needs in mind. This road is not only concrete and asphalt — it represents a pathway to greater connectivity and economic growth that will touch your life the moment it’s complete.

Source: Business News Nigeria
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Market Trends at a Glance

USD/NGN

1445.81

-0.4606%

GBP/NGN

1900.9

-0.8422%

EUR/NGN

1667.69

-1.2266%

Gold - Oz ($)

4014.2

+0.3224%

Brent Oil ($)

64.11

-1.3692%

BTC-USD

110233

+1.7795%

ETH-USD

3864.6

+1.5813%

USDT-USD

0.9996

-0.0302%

BNB-USD

1089.5

+1.0096%

SOL-USD

186.856

+1.2085%

Rates shown are as of 7:00 AM Lagos time.

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Politics and Economy

Trump Designates Nigeria ‘Country of Concern’ Over Killings

Former President Donald Trump has labeled Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ citing alleged widespread killings of Christians and increasing religious intolerance. The Nigerian government rejects these claims, calling them misleading and emphasizing efforts to maintain religious harmony and improve security.

This designation puts Nigeria’s security and religious climate under intense international scrutiny, which could affect diplomatic and economic relations. For Nigerians, it raises questions about safety, especially for communities affected by ongoing violence, and pressures the government to take more decisive action. It also stirs public debate on the narrative surrounding religious freedoms and the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges, which touch on daily life, community trust, and national unity.

Source: Thisdaylive
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What else is happening:

  • President Bola Tinubu’s recent pardon review has been praised as proof that he listens to feedback and corrects errors, reflecting a responsive approach to governance and public insight.

  • An exclusive report discusses an alleged but officially denied coup attempt against President Tinubu, sparking debates over political stability and military discipline in Nigeria.

  • A Federal High Court’s ruling sacking Rep. Suleiman Gummi over party defection has reignited constitutional discussions about lawmakers switching parties.

Tech and Business

Jumia Amplifies Digital Retail with Black Friday Deals

Jumia Nigeria has kicked off a month-long Black Friday campaign called “Do Pass Yourself,” aimed at boosting e-commerce and offering exclusive discounts across product categories like fashion, electronics, and home goods. CEO Temidayo Ojo emphasized the company's decade-long commitment to building trust through reliable delivery and secure payments, enhancing digital shopping experiences nationwide.

This means your online shopping just got way easier and more rewarding, with trusted brands offering bigger discounts and smoother delivery for the entire month. Whether you’re hunting for electronics, beauty products, or home essentials, the campaign reduces worries about product authenticity and payment security. It’s a chance to save money, discover new brands, and enjoy a more interactive and fun shopping vibe tied to our growing digital culture, right from your phone or laptop.

Source: Thisdaylive
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MTN Nigeria Boosts Investment to N757 Billion

MTN Nigeria has sharply increased its capital spending by 248%, investing N757.4 billion to expand network infrastructure and fibre across the country. This surge in investment is powered by strong data growth, fintech advances, and improved economic conditions that lifted the company from losses to a Profit After Tax of N750.2 billion.

This means your internet connections are getting faster and more reliable as MTN’s network coverage grows and data speeds improve across Nigeria. With nearly twice the amount spent on infrastructure, there’s a real chance your streaming, browsing, and work-from-home experiences will become smoother. Plus, the boost in fintech services like mobile money can make everyday transactions and financial inclusion more accessible and convenient, impacting how you manage money and connect digitally every day.

Source: The Guardian
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What else is happening:

  • Dangote Refinery has assured Nigerians of consistent petrol supply and daily diesel distribution, reinforcing energy stability across the country.

  • The Naira has strengthened to ₦1,421 per dollar, with the stock market gaining ₦35.07 trillion in ten months — a sign of improving investor confidence and economic resilience.

Entertainment and Culture

Offoedu-Okeke’s Bold Political Allegory Captivates Lagos

On October 1, Lagos witnessed two key cultural events: the rededication of the former National Theatre as the Wole Soyinka Centre and the opening of Onyema Offoedu-Okeke’s politically charged exhibition, Time of Redeemer. The show uses vibrant artwork to explore Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for authentic leadership through powerful symbolism and contemporary style.

This exhibition connects directly to your everyday experience by shedding light on the political realities many Nigerians face but rarely see expressed so vividly through art. It invites you to reflect on the promises of leadership versus the ongoing challenges, using visuals grounded in local traditions yet speaking to global ideas. Visiting or following this show encourages a deeper conversation about where Nigeria has been and where it’s heading, making art a mirror for communal hopes and frustrations.

Source: The Guardian
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The Social Feed:

  • Davido’s concert has positioned Akwa Ibom as a top cultural destination, boosting music tourism and local pride through his five-star show.

  • The 14th edition of AFRIFF 2025 in Lagos celebrates African music and film, showcasing creativity through diverse multimedia presentations.

  • The youth-focused ESIA initiative has empowered 2,000 schoolgirls in Kosofe LGA via its FreePeriods campaign, promoting menstrual health and education.

Sports

Heartland, Akwa United Clear Foreign Debts, Ignore Local Players

Akwa United and Heartland FC settled their international players’ debts just in time to lift FIFA’s global bans, but both clubs continue to owe wages to local players and coaches with no resolution in sight. This shows a glaring divide between how clubs prioritize international obligations over domestic commitments despite local league penalties.

This story hits home because it lays bare the tough reality Nigerian football players face when trying to get paid. While foreign players see their dues cleared quickly to satisfy FIFA’s strict rules, local players often wait months or even years, left to navigate a system that frequently fails them. If this unequal treatment continues, it hurts trust in Nigerian clubs and prevents the growth of football culture at home where local players should feel valued and protected. It’s a call for stronger local enforcement that could change the game for everyone involved, helping build a fairer system that keeps talent and hope alive within Nigerian football.

Source: Vanguard News
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Sports Spotlight:

  • Rivers State has announced plans to honour Monday Sinclair for his legendary contributions to Nigerian football and lasting impact on the sport.

  • D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has secured a U.S. coaching role, marking a major milestone for Nigerian basketball and women in sports leadership.

Quote of the Day

“We must make sure that global frameworks — for AI governance, data, for finance — include African voices. Because inclusion is not automatic; it must be intentional.”

— Tony O. Elumelu

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