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African News Digest, lagos, Owerri (2026)

24/08/2026

NAIRA SLIPS AGAIN AS DOLLAR HITS ₦1,346.98 AT OFFICIAL MARKET

ABUJA, Nigeria, August 24 (African News Digest) – The Nigerian naira depreciated slightly against the United States dollar at the official foreign exchange market on Monday, beginning the week on a weaker note.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed that the naira traded at ₦1,346.98 to the dollar, compared with ₦1,346.43 recorded on Friday.

The latest movement represents a ₦0.55 depreciation against the US currency ahead of Tuesday’s public holiday.

However, the naira recorded an improvement in the parallel market, where the dollar was exchanged at about ₦1,410, compared with ₦1,415 recorded mainly last week.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves continued to rise, reaching $52.83 billion as of August 21, 2026.

The latest exchange-rate movement comes amid ongoing efforts by monetary authorities to stabilise the foreign exchange market and strengthen the naira.

Market watchers will be monitoring trading activity in the coming days as businesses and investors assess the impact of currency movements on imports, inflation and the wider Nigerian economy.

African News Digest brings you the latest business, economic and financial developments from Nigeria and across Africa.

24/08/2026

BANDITS ATTACK PALACE, KILL DISTRICT HEAD IN NIGER

MINNA, Nigeria, August 24 (African News Digest) – Bandits have reportedly killed the District Head of Galla under the Borgu Emirate in Niger State during an attack on his palace.

The incident was disclosed on Monday by security analyst Bakatsine in a post shared on X.

According to the analyst, the traditional ruler was allegedly targeted after warning bandits to stop entering his community.

“Bandits have killed the District Head of Galla, under the Borgu Emirate in Niger State, during an attack at his palace,” Bakatsine reported.

He added that the deceased monarch was a brother to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.

The killing adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Niger State, where armed groups have continued to threaten communities and residents.

The reported attack also highlights the risks faced by traditional rulers and community leaders who attempt to resist the activities of criminal groups operating in vulnerable communities.

Authorities had yet to provide further details on the circumstances of the attack or announce arrests in connection with the killing as of the time of the report.

African News Digest will continue to monitor developments and bring you verified updates on security and other major events across Nigeria.

24/08/2026

Amaechi Fires Back at Sowore: “When Politicians Are Talking, Close Your Mouth”

Port Harcourt, August 24, 2026 (African News Digest)

Vice presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has clashed with the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, over comments questioning Amaechi’s record in public office.

The exchange occurred during a panel session at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) 2026 Annual General Conference, where Sowore reportedly criticised Amaechi’s performance as Rivers State governor and later as a federal minister.

Responding angrily, Amaechi challenged Sowore to visit Rivers State and see for himself what he accomplished during his tenure as governor.

He also cited the Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kaduna railway projects, arguing that they were functional during the period he served in government.

“Where are Rivers lawyers? Let them take Sowore around and show him what I did as governor,” Amaechi said.

He then directed a sharp warning at Sowore, adding: “Moreover, Sowore, when politicians are talking, close your mouth.”

The heated exchange has sparked reactions online, with Nigerians debating the records of both politicians and their positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.

24/08/2026

Peter Obi Answers Questions at NBA AGC 2026

Abuja, Nigeria — August 24, 2026 (African News Digest)

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Monday participated in the first plenary session of the Nigerian Bar Association Annual General Conference (NBA AGC) 2026.

Obi answered questions from lawyers during the session, engaging members of the legal profession on issues concerning Nigeria and the country’s future.

The interactive session formed part of the activities of the NBA AGC 2026, bringing together legal practitioners and other stakeholders for discussions on issues of national importance.

Obi’s appearance attracted attention as he fielded questions from members of the audience during the plenary session.

24/08/2026

PETER OBI LISTS NIGERIA’S WORST ROADS, CALLS FOR REPAIRS OVER NEW PROJECTS

ABUJA, Nigeria, August 24 (African News Digest) – NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi has drawn praise after highlighting several federal roads across Nigeria that he says require urgent attention.

In a widely circulated video, Obi methodically identified major routes in poor condition, including the Benin Bypass, while pointing to the congestion, delays and difficulties faced by motorists on highways such as the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

The former Anambra State governor’s detailed knowledge of the roads has attracted reactions from supporters, who said his comments reflected his experience travelling across different parts of the country.

Obi has repeatedly argued that government should prioritise repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure before committing substantial resources to new projects.

His latest comments have also renewed debate over major government infrastructure initiatives, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, amid continuing efforts by the Federal Government and Works Minister David Umahi to rehabilitate and expand Nigeria’s road network.

Supporters of Obi say the condition of many existing highways demonstrates the need for government to focus on projects that directly improve transportation, reduce travel times and support economic activity.

The video has continued to generate discussion online, with many Nigerians calling for urgent repairs to deteriorating roads across the country.

African News Digest brings you the latest Nigerian political, economic and social developments from across the country.

24/08/2026

CHIDIMMA ADETSHINA ATTACKED AFTER COURT HEARING AS CITIZENSHIP BATTLE CONTINUES

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 24 (African News Digest) –

Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, has reportedly faced an attack following a recent court appearance linked to an ongoing citizenship dispute in South Africa.

The 25-year-old beauty queen, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, became a finalist in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant before withdrawing from the competition amid intense controversy over her nationality and heritage.

Adetshina later represented Nigeria and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title, becoming a prominent figure in the country's beauty pageant scene.

Her citizenship case in South Africa has continued to attract public attention. Authorities have alleged that her mother was involved in the use of a stolen identity during Adetshina's birth registration. The allegations have resulted in legal proceedings involving her citizenship documents and immigration status.

According to reports, Adetshina was arrested in Cape Town in June 2026, while authorities moved to cancel her documents and initiate deportation proceedings. She has challenged the actions through the courts.

Following a recent postponement of the case to February 2027, concerns have grown over her safety and treatment amid continuing hostility surrounding the citizenship dispute.

Some social media users have urged Adetshina to leave South Africa, citing the reported hostility directed at her, while others argue that the matter should be resolved through the country's legal system rather than public pressure.

The controversy has once again highlighted tensions surrounding citizenship, immigration, identity and xenophobia in South Africa, while Adetshina's legal battle remains ongoing.

African News Digest will continue to monitor developments in the case and provide verified updates as they emerge.

24/08/2026

Atiku Must Explain What Returning to Fuel Subsidy Means — Sumner Sambo

Abuja, August 24, 2026 (African News Digest)

ARISE News Director of News and Politics Editor, Sumner Sambo, has challenged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to clearly explain what his proposal to restore or reintroduce fuel subsidy would mean for Nigerians.

Sambo said the former subsidy regime was associated with major challenges, including fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations, stressing that Nigerians deserve to know whether Atiku’s proposal would bring back those problems.

“I think Atiku Abubakar should be held by the neck to explain to us what it means to go back to that problem that we used to have, which were defined as a national problem, where we used to have lots of fuel queues,” Sambo said.

According to him, Atiku must clarify whether his proposal is aimed at restoring the old subsidy system or introducing a different model that would support local refineries and reduce the burden of fuel prices on Nigerians.

Sambo, however, acknowledged that Atiku had opened an important national conversation on fuel pricing and subsidy policy. He said the debate should focus on how government policies can genuinely improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

He also called for greater accountability over the savings from fuel subsidy removal, questioning whether Nigerians have received sufficient benefits from the funds saved by the policy.

The renewed debate comes as Atiku and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) continue to push their alternative economic proposals ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sambo maintained that opposition politicians must provide Nigerians with detailed and convincing explanations of how their proposed policies would work, rather than relying solely on campaign rhetoric.

“Atiku needs to clarify what exactly he intends to introduce and how his proposal to support refineries would work.”

24/08/2026

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: UEFA SETS SEPTEMBER 2 DEADLINE FOR CLUBS TO REGISTER SQUADS

NYON, Switzerland, August 24 (African News Digest) – UEFA has set September 2, 2026, as the deadline for clubs to submit their List A squads for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.

According to UEFA, clubs must submit their squads, which will subsequently be verified and validated by their respective national associations, by 23:59 Central European Time on Wednesday, September 2.

Clubs are permitted to register a maximum of 25 players on their List A squads for the competition.

UEFA regulations require each club to have at least two goalkeepers among the 25 registered players.

The governing body also reminded clubs that they must comply with its locally trained-player requirements when submitting their squads.

At least eight of the 25 List A places are reserved for locally trained players. Of those eight places, no more than four can be occupied by association-trained players.

UEFA said clubs that have fewer than eight locally trained players will have their maximum List A squad size reduced accordingly.

The deadline is expected to influence several clubs still finalising their squads ahead of the start of the Champions League league phase, particularly teams involved in late transfer negotiations.

Clubs will therefore need to complete their transfer activities and squad planning in time to meet UEFA’s registration requirements.

African News Digest will continue to bring you the latest Champions League developments, European football news and transfer updates.

24/08/2026

EPL: MICHAEL OWEN WARNS £125M LIVERPOOL STAR IS RUNNING OUT OF EXCUSES

LIVERPOOL, England, August 24 (African News Digest) – Liverpool legend Michael Owen has warned Alexander Isak that patience is beginning to run out following the striker’s underwhelming performances since his record transfer to Anfield.

Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United last summer in a deal reportedly worth £125 million, but the Sweden international has struggled to reproduce the form that made him one of the Premier League’s most sought-after forwards.

The 26-year-old endured an injury-hit 2025/26 campaign, making 22 appearances across all competitions and scoring only four goals.

His season was disrupted by a fractured leg in December before he suffered a groin injury in May.

Isak returned to full fitness during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all four of Sweden’s matches before the team was eliminated by France in the round of 32.

Owen acknowledged the difficulties Isak faced with his injuries but said the striker has now had sufficient time to recover and must begin producing at the level expected of a player who commanded a club-record transfer fee.

“We’ve given him time; everyone has given him time and understood that. But he’s finished the season, then he’s gone to the World Cup, and now he’s had a pre-season,” Owen said.

The former England international added that Liverpool are increasingly in need of Isak’s best form following Mohamed Salah’s departure and an injury to Hugo Ekitike.

Owen’s comments came after Isak’s performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Newcastle, with the former striker suggesting that the Swedish forward must now deliver more consistently.

Liverpool will hope Isak can overcome his difficult start and become the prolific attacker the club expected when they invested heavily in his signing.

African News Digest will continue to bring you the latest Premier League news, transfer developments and football analysis.

24/08/2026

FANI-KAYODE ACCUSES EL-RUFAI OF PERSECUTING CHRISTIANS IN KADUNA

ABUJA, Nigeria, August 24 (African News Digest) – Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has renewed his criticism of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of persecuting Christians and marginalising Christian communities during his eight years in office.

Fani-Kayode made the allegations during a meeting with the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, and members of the association’s executive council.

He was speaking against the backdrop of the ongoing political disagreement between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.

According to Fani-Kayode, the treatment of Christians under the former governor went beyond political disagreements and amounted to discrimination against certain communities in Kaduna State.

He alleged that Christians were killed during El-Rufai’s administration, while some communities in Southern Kaduna were denied development projects and government allocations.

The former minister also accused El-Rufai of making derogatory remarks about Christian leaders and treating some Christian officials with contempt.

Fani-Kayode cited the experience of Barnabas Bala Bantex, who served as El-Rufai’s deputy governor, alleging that Bantex was subjected to insults because of his Christian faith during cabinet meetings.

“El-Rufai is a monster who attempted to weaken Christian communities and undermine their faith,” Fani-Kayode said, adding that the former governor did not enjoy unanimous support even among Muslims during his tenure.

He further claimed that some of his Muslim associates had contacted him to complain about policies and statements attributed to El-Rufai.

Fani-Kayode stressed that his criticism of the former governor was not solely motivated by political differences.

He also said many Christians in Kaduna protested against policies they considered unfair but largely chose peaceful resistance and prayer rather than violence.

The allegations come amid renewed political tensions surrounding El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani, with the former governor increasingly critical of the current administration in Kaduna.

African News Digest notes that the allegations are those of Fani-Kayode and have not been independently established in the material provided.

African News Digest will continue to follow developments surrounding Kaduna politics, governance and interfaith relations.

African News Digest

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