Sudan&#8217;s economy has faced significant challenges, including a severe cash shortage and soaring prices for commodities.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
“This resulted in the spread of large quantities of banknotes of unknown origin and not conforming to technical specifications in the SDG1,000 and SDG500 denominations, which has led to a clear increase in the level of cash liquidity and a negative impact on the stability of the general price level,” the Central Bank of Sudan says.
</blockquote>



Sudan is introducing new 500 ($0.20) and 1,000 ($0.50) Sudanese Pound banknotes, featuring advanced security specifications to combat counterfeiting and stabilize the exchange rate.



The value of the Sudanese Pound has plummeted by over 350% in recent months, leading to widespread protests.



To address these issues, the government launched a currency exchange initiative, allowing citizens to exchange old banknotes for new ones.



The deadline for this exchange was initially set for December 23 but has been extended twice, first to December 30 and then to January 6, 2025.



The currency exchange initiative aims to ease the liquidity crisis.



However, its implementation has been challenging, particularly in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have prohibited the use of the new currency.

Sudan, Africa – African Money – Banknotes

Sudan Extends Currency Swap Deadline Twice Amid Economic Chaos

The railway project is part of China&#8217;s Belt and Road Initiative, which Nigeria joined in 2018.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-plain has-medium-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
&#8220;This railway will also promote the development of related industries along the route. The construction and operation of the project will create numerous job opportunities in Nigeria,&#8221; the bank said.
</blockquote>



The China Development Bank recently released a $254.76-million loan for the construction of a 203-kilometer standard-gauge railway linking Kano and Kaduna, two major states in northern Nigeria.



The railway is being built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.



According to the bank, the railway will promote the development of related industries along the route, creating numerous job opportunities in Nigeria.



The bank has also supported other projects in Nigeria, including the Lekki Deep Water Port in the commercial capital Lagos.



The loan announcement preceded China&#8217;s Foreign Minister Wang Yi&#8217;s visit to Nigeria, part of his annual tour of Africa.



China is Nigeria&#8217;s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at $13.6 billion in 2023.



The two countries, with 53-year-old diplomatic relations, have collaborated on several infrastructure projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Lagos-Ibadan Railway.

Abuja Light Rail Mass Transit System

China Strengthens 53-Year-Old Nigeria Ties With $255-Million Railway Loan

The 44-year-old legislator is the new political head of the parliament inaugurated on October 2, 1979.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-plain is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
&#8220;I affirm that I will be faithful as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; that I will perform my functions honestly to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,&#8221; says Meranda.
</blockquote>



Mojisola Meranda has become the first female speaker of the 45-year-old parliament of Nigeria&#8217;s commercial capital Lagos.



Meranda held various positions, including deputy speaker, and has now taken over the reins after the reported impeachment of her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa.



The master&#8217;s degree holder in public and international affairs will preside over the 10th Assembly as its eighth speaker.



Her journey to this position began when she won the 2015 election to represent her constituency at the subnational parliament known as the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Image supplieda

First Female Speaker Of 45-Year-Old Parliament In Lagos

Anthony Joshua is targeting a showdown with Tyson Fury in 2025, but the two-time heavyweight champion isn’t just focused on reclaiming the world title — he’s also investing in Nigeria’s future.



British-Nigerian boxing star Anthony Joshua recently expressed his determination to reclaim the world champion title after paying Nigeria&#8217;s President Bola Tinubu a New Year&#8217;s Day courtesy visit.



“Ups and downs happen, but I can’t stop now. I keep riding the wave. My goal is to become a three-time world champion and face Tyson Fury in 2025,” Joshua told reporters.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="698" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-1024x698.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64318" style="width:612px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-1024x698.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-300x204.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-768x524.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-1536x1047.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154612-2048x1396.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy of X</figcaption></figure></div>


He met with Tinubu at his Lagos residence, where he presented the president with an autographed boxing glove. Tinubu expressed pride in Joshua’s achievements, calling him &#8220;a true champion and worthy ambassador of Nigeria&#8221;.



&#8220;Anthony Joshua’s dedication and achievements continue to inspire millions daily,&#8221; Tinubu shared in a post on X. &#8220;Thank you for the autographed glove — it is a symbol of perseverance and excellence. A symbol of what Nigerians are known for.&#8221;



On returning to his roots in December, Joshua began his visit in Sagamu, Ogun State — his hometown —on the outskirts of commercial capital Lagos.



The visit was marked by warm receptions as he connected with residents and local leaders. A highlight of the visit was his meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun in the state capital, Abeokuta. Following their discussions, the Ogun State Government announced plans to build a state-of-the-art Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring in Abeokuta.



&#8220;Joshua’s achievements on the global stage bring pride to Ogun State, and we are committed to supporting him while celebrating the immense talents that put our state on the world map,” the governor’s office stated. Joshua was also named Ogun State’s official sports ambassador, and he is set to play a key role in the Gateway Games National Sports Festival, where he will light the ceremonial torch in May.



The boxer also visited Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who praised him for his determination and highlighted Lagos’ role as a hub for culture and &#8220;endless&#8221; inspiration. &#8220;As Anthony prepares for a bigger and better 2025, we encourage him to keep inspiring the world with his grit and determination,&#8221; Sanwo-Olu said.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64317" style="width:556px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_20250103_154621-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo courtesy of X</figcaption></figure></div>


Joshua, 35, rose to international fame by winning his first 22 professional fights, holding the heavyweight title from 2016 to 2019. Though he faced setbacks, including two losses to Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua rebounded in 2023 with a series of victories, including a knockout win over Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou early last year.



&#8220;To all Nigerians in the diaspora, you have a place to call home. I’ll continue to put my feet on the soil here and give back to communities,&#8221; declared Joshua, ranked by Forbes as the 16th highest-paid athlete globally in 2024, with earnings of $83 million

RING Magazine Awards London

‘A Place To Call Home’: Celebrity Boxer On Reconnecting With Nigeria As He Eyes Third World Title

The exchange’s ownership structure mandates that up to 25% of the shares be held publicly, while the remaining 75% is reserved for private investors.



Ethiopia made history on Friday with the launch of its first securities exchange in over five decades.



The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) debuted with a single listed company, Wegagen Bank, marking a significant milestone in the country&#8217;s economic liberalization efforts.



The socialist military government abolished the securities exchange in 1974.



After ringing the launch bell, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted, “Invest in Ethiopia — a fast-growing economy with immense potential and a dynamic trajectory toward prosperity.”



The ESX is expected to operate from 9AM to 3PM, and its chief executive, Tilahun Kassahun, anticipates that 90 companies will join the exchange within the next decade.



Ethiopia Investment Holdings (EIH), which controls 40 state-run companies, will play a crucial role in developing the market. The state-run company is already offering shares for the Ethio Telecom offer.



&#8220;Today marks the beginning of a new era for Ethiopia, where capital can flow freely to unlock opportunities,&#8221; Kassahun said at the opening ceremony.



In April 2024, the ESX established October 2023, concluded its capital-raising exercise, achieving more than double the funds needed to commence operations.



Through a public-private partnership, the ESX has the EIH as its founding shareholder, representing the government’s interests.



As of April 2024, key investors included entities such as FSD Africa, the Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB), and the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).



Also, 16 domestic private commercial banks, 12 private insurance companies, and 17 other private domestic investors have also invested in the exchange.

IMG_20250110_220758

Ethiopia Rings In ‘New Era’ With Launch Of First Stock Exchange In Over 50 Years

The West African sub-region, including countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Nigeria, continues to grapple with insecurity and violence fueled by terrorist attacks.



Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama&#8217;at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the late Wednesday carnage in northern Benin on Friday.



This jihadist group, known for its operations in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, reportedly said it killed soldiers exceeding 30, and seized weapons, ammunition, and a drone.



The attack occurred near the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger, a region plagued by terrorist activities.



Benin&#8217;s Army Chief, Colonel Faizou Gomina, described the loss as &#8220;very heavy&#8221; and revealed that &#8220;the targeted position was one of the strongest and most militarized under Operation Mirador&#8221;.



This operation was launched to bolster the country&#8217;s security forces in response to the growing terrorist threat.



This attack is not an isolated incident. In December, gunmen killed three Operation Mirador soldiers and wounded four others who were guarding an oil pipeline in northeast Benin.

Streetlife

Jihadist Group Claims Responsibility For Attack On Northern Benin’s ‘Most Militarized Operation’

The attackers, described by Chad’s foreign minister as disorganized, were subsequently neutralized by the presidential guard of the Sahelian and landlocked country in Central Africa, facing security challenges related to conflicts in neighboring countries.



In a Wednesday evening attack on Chad&#8217;s seat of power, 24 assailants stormed the presidential palace in the capital N&#8217;Djamena, stabbing four guards and leaving one dead and two critically injured.



The attack coincided with the official visit of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi. A spokesperson for the Chinese delegation confirmed that the visit concluded without disruption.



According to Abderaman Koulamallah, Chad’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and government spokesperson, the group advanced toward the compound but was met with decisive force. Presidential guards opened fire, killing 18 of the assailants and capturing the remaining six.



<div class="wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile"><figure class="wp-block-media-text__media"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192452293.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64270 size-full" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192452293.jpg 1024w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192452293-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192452293-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2192452293-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure><div class="wp-block-media-text__content">
An infographic titled &#8220;Assault on Chad&#8217;s presidential palace&#8221; created in Ankara, Turkiye on January 9, 2025. Gunmen launched an attack on the presidential palace in Chad&#8217;s capital N&#8217;Djamena, sparking a battle that left 18 attackers and one security personnel member dead and several others injured. (Photo by Omar Zaghloul/Anadolu via Getty Images)
</div></div>



“These are people who came from a certain neighborhood of N&#8217;Djamena that I will not name,” Koulamallah explained during a television interview. “They did not have war weapons. Their attempt was disorganized and completely incomprehensible. This is probably not a terrorist act.”



N&#8217;Djamena remained calm on Thursday morning, with military forces securing the area around the palace. Residents reported no further gunfire overnight, though some neighborhoods near the presidency were still blocked off.



The 18.3 million population country, led by President Mahamat Idriss Deby, continues to face security challenges, including insurgencies linked to groups such as Boko Haram.



Deby took power in 2021 following the death of his father, Idriss Deby, who ruled Chad for over three decades. Despite its oil wealth, the nation remains one of the poorest in Africa, grappling with ongoing instability.



Military authorities and the public prosecutor are expected to provide additional details as investigations unfold.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan – Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno meeting

‘Probably Not A Terrorist Act’: Chad’s Foreign Minister On 24 Assailants Storming Presidential Palace, Stabbing Four Guards, Killing One

Government Statistician Samuel Kobina Annim, while addressing the media in Ghana&#8217;s capital Accra today, attributed the increase to skyrocketing food prices.



Ghana&#8217;s annual inflation rate has surged to its highest level in eight months, reaching 23.8% in December.



This marks the fourth consecutive month of rising consumer prices, up from 23% in November.



The development comes on the heels of President John Mahama&#8217;s inauguration, where he acknowledged the country&#8217;s economic struggles, describing the circumstances as &#8220;dire&#8221;.



He pledged to take decisive action, outlining a plan to implement 26 measures within his first 120 days in office to drive immediate change.



Ghana&#8217;s inflation rate has been volatile in recent years. In March 2024, the inflation rate accelerated to 25.8% year-on-year, driven by a depreciating currency and higher costs for imported goods.



The country&#8217;s inflation rate has also reached as high as 54.1% in December 2022, a 22-year high.

Ghana’s Currency As Cedi Weakens To Historic Decline Versus Dollar

Food Prices Send Ghana’s Inflation Rate To Eight-Month High

Liz Sanya&#8217;s motivation for this latest attempt was inspired by the recent achievements of Nigerians who have broken various world records, including Hilda Baci&#8217;s longest cooking marathon and Tunde Onakoya&#8217;s longest chess marathon.



Twentytwo-year-old Nigerian-British fashion designer Elizabeth Sanyaolu, also known as Liz Sanya, has completed her attempt at the Guinness World Records for the largest sandal, measuring 8.147 meters long and 3.156 meters wide.



The Guinness World Records typically reviews evidence within 12 weeks to make the awards decision. The record was set in 2016 by the Municipio de Sahuayo (Mexico) in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, with a sandal measuring 7.45 meters (24 feet 5.31 inches) long and 3.09 meters (10 feet 1.65 inches) wide.



Sanya, founder of the fashion brand SANYA, started the attempt on January 2 at 10PM West African time (WAT) and completed it on January 5 at 4AM. The pink clog was constructed at a location in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria&#8217;s commercial capital.



&#8220;We took under 35 hours to complete the shoe as we had a timer and between rest breaks,&#8221; Sanya, who returned to Nigeria on December 10 for the attempt, says to FORBES AFRICA.



This is not Sanya&#8217;s first attempt at a world record. Previously, she had tried to set a record for the &#8220;world&#8217;s darkest shoe&#8221; by reimagining Air Force sneakers in an ultra-black finish.



&#8220;It was the comments at the time that encouraged me to submit to the Guinness World Records but they came back with concerns about some technicalities and no existing record of such nature,&#8221; she shares.



The fashion designer&#8217;s latest record-breaking attempt drew support from Nigerian celebrities, including Aboriomoh &#8216;Dremo&#8217; Raymond, Peace &#8216;P.Priime&#8217; Oredope, Phillip &#8216;Pheelz&#8217; Moses, and Mayowa &#8216;Mayorkun&#8217; Adewale, who visited her at the Lekki location to offer encouragement.



&#8220;I aim to take my brand to the global stage, making it a household name that resonates with people across continents,&#8221; notes Sanya who has also designed merchandise for Nigerian singer Divine &#8216;Rema&#8217; Ikubor&#8217;s 02 tour.

IMG-20250108-WA0000

‘Take My Brand To The Global Stage’: Nigerian-British Fashion Designer Attempts New World Record For Largest Sandal

The research highlights that six African countries feature among the top 10 nations facing the highest Schengen visa rejection rates.



African countries accounted for 2.8% of global Schengen visa applications in 2023, yet 50% of these applications were rejected.



This is according to a research conducted for Henley &amp; Partners and published in the Henley Global Mobility Report 2025 Q1.



Comoros tops the list with a rejection rate of 61.3%, followed closely by Guinea-Bissau (51%), Ghana (47.5%), Mali (46.1%), Sudan (42.3%), and Senegal (41.2%).



&#8220;African citizens find themselves at the bottom of the mobility ladder, which significantly limits their access to international economic opportunities,&#8221; Mehari Taddele Maru, the professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, who conducted the study, noted.

Man filling questionnaire form

50% Of African Schengen Visa Applications Denied In 2023, Study Shows

Central to President John Mahama&#8217;s strategy is a “24-hour economy” designed to stimulate job creation, attract investment, and energize local industries.



John Mahama was sworn in today as Ghana’s President, returning to power after winning 56.6% of the vote in December’s election.



The inauguration in the capital Accra also marked a historic moment as Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang became the first woman to serve as Vice President.



In his address, Mahama acknowledged the country’s economic struggles, stating, “The circumstances we find ourselves in are indeed dire, and even so, I&#8217;ll be decisive and swift in my actions.”



He outlined plans to focus on economic stability, business growth, governance reforms, and anti-corruption efforts.



“Imagine a Ghana where our markets are alive and bustling at all hours of the day,” Mahama said, emphasizing the potential for growth in agriculture and agribusiness.



He pledged to take “26 actions within my first 120 days” to drive immediate change, signaling a fast-paced start to his new term.

Ghana Reacts To Presidential Election Results

‘We Shall Reset Our Dear Nation’: Ghana’s Returning President Mahama Vows Swift Economic Action At Inauguration

Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, is proving to be a magnet for travelers every year during the festive period known as ‘Detty December’, with new data revealing how the city’s annual celebration contributed to the country’s economy.



Independent research by advisory firm MO Africa Company Limited shows that between November 19 and December 26 last year, Lagos&#8217; Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) handled around 550,000 inbound passengers. Nearly 90% of these arrivals were Nigerians living abroad, flying in primarily for leisure and tourism.



Kayode Omosebi, CEO of MO Africa Company Limited, says his team surveyed hotels, airports, short-let agents, and nightclubs to compile the data.



The top five countries of origin were the United States, Canada, Italy, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with most visitors heading to Lagos, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ogun states in Nigeria. Lagos alone attracted an estimated 1.2 million tourists. Of those, 60% were domestic travelers, driven by insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.



The influx of visitors brought a surge in hotel bookings and short-let apartment rentals. December hotel revenue in Lagos hit N54 billion ($36 million) from 15,000 bookings.



Short-term apartment rentals contributed another N21 billion ($13 million), with nearly 6,000 bookings made at an average nightly rate of N120,000 ($74.7).



Lagos’ nightlife was a major winner, with the top 15 lounges and nightclubs generating N4.32 billion ($2.7 million). On average, clubs raked in N360 million ($224,000) per day, with some tables fetching as much as N1.2 million per night ($746.7).



Beaches and resorts accounted for 70% of the N4.5 billion ($2.8 million) generated from recreational activities.



Lagos&#8217; event centers hosted 1,175 bookings, earning a combined N1.2 billion ($804,000).



Luxury car rentals also saw a boom, with N1.5 billion ($937,500) spent on 750 bookings. Daily rates ranged from N200,000 ($124.4) to N2 million ($1,244) for high-end vehicles.



Omosebi notes that Lagos’ hospitality sector is increasingly reliant on cryptocurrency platforms.



&#8220;Eighty five percent of conversion to Naira and payments were done through this exchange platform. A number of bookings were done through agents rather than through booking platforms, which speaks to trust concerns and the power-play of agents in the industry,” Omosebi says to FORBES AFRICA.



He adds that &#8216;Detty December&#8217; could bring in up to $2 billion in foreign exchange by 2026, provided the government addresses infrastructure, security, and supply chain challenges.



“The industry is evolving and we would start seeing niche focused hospitality and tourism experiences&#8230; There’s massive opportunity in bespoke event centers for concerts and shows,” Omosebi says.

Lagos in Nigeria

‘Massive Opportunity’: How Hotels, Nightclubs, Restaurants And Luxury Car Rentals Drove Lagos’ $75 Million Tourism Boom In December

The West African nation now joins Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin as one of five African countries allowing unrestricted entry to travelers from across the continent.



Ghana&#8217;s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has confirmed the approval of visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, effective from the start of this year.



&#8220;This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world,&#8221; Akufo-Addo, referring to the four-year-old zone, said during his final address to parliament, just days before stepping down after completing two terms in office.



In 2019, Akufo-Addo launched the Year of Return, inviting people of African descent worldwide to visit and invest in Ghana.



His party&#8217;s candidate, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, lost in last month&#8217;s election to former President John Mahama, set to be sworn in on Tuesday.

Key Speakers On The Second Day Of The 79th Session Of The United Nations General Assembly

‘Logical Next Step To The AfCFTA’: Ghana’s Outgoing President Confirms Visa-Free Entry For African Passport Holders

For diasporans locally known as &#8216;I Just Got Back&#8217; (IJGB), coming to Lagos for &#8216;Detty December&#8217; — a time when Nigeria’s cities come alive with celebrations, music, and cultural events — feels like home reimagined, where tradition meets the future.



By early December, the arrival halls at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos had begun to fill with luxury luggage, designer sunglasses and foreign accents. Soon, the ripple became a wave — a surge of international celebrities, diasporans locally known as &#8216;I Just Got Back&#8217; (IJGB), and high-profile figures descending on the city.



&#8216;I Just Got Back,&#8217; the phrase once whispered with pride by Nigerians returning from the West, now rings out as a collective mantra. This year, they arrived in droves. From island parties to sold-out shows, Lagos transformed into Africa’s cultural epicenter in December.


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-819x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64188" style="width:539px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-240x300.jpg 240w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-768x960.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Courtesy-Flytime-Media-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tyla (Courtesy of Flytime Media)</figcaption></figure></div>


The New Gold Rush



Much like the California gold rush of 1848, Lagos became the center of attraction — but this time, the gold is culture. Afrobeats, the genre that has captured the world’s attention, isn’t just a playlist — it’s the soundtrack to an entire movement.



Spotify’s latest data supports this. Afrobeats has grown by 114% globally, and Nigerian artists dominate the charts. In the 2025 Grammys, the category for Best African Music Performance reads more like a Lagos block party — David &#8216;Davido&#8217; Adeleke, Ayodeji &#8216;Wizkid&#8217; Balogun, Damini &#8216;Burna Boy&#8217; Ogulu, Temilade &#8216;Tems&#8217; Openiyi, Ahmed &#8216;Asake&#8217; Ololade.



Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid dominate global charts, while South Africa&#8217;s Tyla Seethal, American rapper Sergio &#8216;Gunna&#8217; Kitchens, and British-Nigerian rapper Oluwafisayo &#8216;Darkoo&#8217; Isa cross oceans to share the stage at the four-day Lagos’ Flytime Fest attended by over 30,000 fun-seekers. It’s a festival that, since 2004, has grown from a local event to a pilgrimage for anyone who claims to understand music’s next frontier.



“Afrobeats is a new culture wave, and people are coming to the source,” says Abuchi Peter Ugwu, CEO of Chocolate City Music. “It’s the fear of missing out (FoMO) — nobody wants to miss out on the wave.”



By midnight, the skyline twinkles — not from distant stars, but from the glare of concert lights, fireworks, and phone screens held high by thousands who have returned home to dance beneath the Lagos sky.



Time Out magazine recently named Lagos the sixth best city in the world for nightlife, a ranking driven by Afrobeats’ meteoric rise. For diasporans, &#8216;Detty December&#8217; isn’t just a holiday; it’s an initiation into the pulse of home.


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-64187" style="width:583px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https://cms.forbesafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Gunna-at-a-local-market-in-Lagos-Jakande-scaled.jpg 1708w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gunna at a local market in Lagos, Jakande (Image supplied)</figcaption></figure></div>


While Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ anchored itself in cultural heritage, Lagos builds its empire around celebration, nightlife, and entertainment. As December rolls around, it’s impossible to scroll through Instagram without seeing clips from rooftop parties, fashion events, or pop-up concerts.



“Nigeria is Africa&#8217;s entertainment heartbeat,” says Keke Hammond, Chief Operations Officer of Flytime Fest. “&#8217;Detty December&#8217; isn’t just about music. From October, the city kicks off with art exhibitions, November blends into fashion week, and by December — music owns the streets.”



Lagos, unlike any other city, doesn’t just host events — it orchestrates a crescendo that peaks at the Lagos Countdown, a state-backed fireworks display and concert, ringing in the New Year with crowds serenaded with performances by Nigeria&#8217;s biggest act at select venues. Wizkid and Burna Boy were among the headliners this year.



A City That Sells Out



By mid-December, Lagos feels stretched to its limits. Hotel rooms vanish overnight. Private villas in Lekki and Ikoyi double their rates. And getting a table at a high-end restaurant? Forget it.



But for every champagne bottle popped, there’s the reality of rising inflation and a naira that struggles to hold its value. At 34.6% inflation in November, Nigeria’s economy is stretched thin.



Still, the influx of tourists and diasporans offers a lifeline as they spend dollars, euros, and pounds across the city’s luxury hotels, boutiques and street markets. Foreign exchange inflows hit $22.9 billion in Q3 2024, a 3% increase quarter-on-quarter.



“Nigerians are resilient and very creative. We defy every single norm. And we have a contagious energy,” says Hammond.



The Future Of &#8216;Detty December&#8217;



With the Lagos Arena under construction, set to house 12,000 people by late 2025, the city is preparing for even more grand-scale events. For now, pop-up concerts spill into streets and boutique hotels burst at the seams with bookings from London, New York, and Toronto.



&#8220;We need to make sure that we are able to accommodate the influx, in terms of hotels and things of that nature,&#8221; Hammond says.



Ugwu also believes the boom can’t just stop at entertainment. “We need infrastructure. If you can build train systems or affordable transport, imagine the reach. Let young people from other locations experience a Burna Boy show without worrying about ride-hailing costs.”



He pauses. “There are a lot of young people that don&#8217;t even experience the culture. I feel like the government has the responsibility to make that happen. Crime drops when young people feel part of something bigger than them.”



As the world watches Afrobeats conquer charts and Nigerian designers dress Hollywood’s elite, the real show is happening under the December skies of Lagos. And those who just got back? They’re already planning next year’s return.

Ayra Starr Performs At Flytime Fest

‘Africa’s Entertainment Heartbeat’: Why Global Stars And ‘IJGBs’ Flocked To Lagos ForThe ‘Detty December’ Parties That Never Stopped

Animal-assisted intervention is a therapeutic approach gaining traction across Nigeria for children with Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities. Dogs, rabbits, aquarium fish and turtles are proving to be their complementary therapists Enhancing overall progress.



George Adinoyi (not his real name) sat motionless in his classroom at a known special needs center in the heart of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. His teachers had tried every trick in the book to reach him — visual aids, hands-on activi- ties, songs, even gentle coaxing — but nothing seemed to break through the wall of silence that enveloped the young boy.



Diagnosed with autism, Adinoyi didn’t respond to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) designed to motivate and guide him, until he encountered Tish.



Tish, a long-coat Chihuahua, padded into the school in late 2018, his tail wagging with a blend of curiosity and warmth. For the first time, Adinoyi’s face lit up. His hands reached out tentatively, and a faint smile tugged at his lips. The interaction transformed him. Soon, he began communicating — not just with Tish but also with his peers, teachers, and therapists. The breakthrough led his parents to welcome a dog into their home, further accel- erating his progress.



Adinoyi’s interaction with Tish formed part of Nigeria’s first animal-assisted intervention (AAI) trial run by Dogalov HumAn Support Initiative, a pioneering nonprofit, also based in Abuja.



In sessions, Adinoyi and others are introduced to therapy dogs, usually calm and patient breeds like Tish and Bishop, a black Lhasa Apso. These dogs have been trained to respond to the specific needs of children who are neurodivergent. They help children engage in activities that may otherwise be challenging —whether it’s learning to give a command, practising social interactions, or simply sitting quietly with the dog and feeling the calming presence of an animal that doesn’t demand verbal communication.


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AAI is based on the idea that animals can act as co-therapists, offering unique emotional, cognitive, and social benefits.



Research also corroborates that animals have an innate ability to provide comfort and break down barriers that traditional therapy may not be able to address. For many children, especially those with autism, connecting with other people can be overwhelming. But animals provide a non-judgmental and calm presence.



The genesis of AAI in Nigeria



For many years, therapy in the country has been synonymous with medications and, at best, traditional counseling sessions. The concept of bringing animals — particularly dogs — into clinical settings to support children with neurodevelopmental disorders was as foreign as the origins of the therapy itself, which traces its roots to the United States (U.S.) and Europe.



Sunday Agbonika, a Nigerian veterinary surgeon and dog trainer, founded Dogalov HumAn Support Initiative after losing his nephew, who had autism, in 2013.



“In 2015, I came across a video about Nathan Selove, a boy with autism in the U.S., paired with a service dog. The transformation in Nathan’s life was remarkable,” he recalls to FORBES AFRICA. “I thought, ‘what if I could have done something similar for my nephew?’ ”



From 2016, Agbonika sought ways to introduce AAI, but early attempts to reach children through their families failed due to societal taboos and lack of awareness.



The breakthrough came in 2018 when special needs centers like the Comprehensive Autism and related Disabilities Education and Training (CADET) Academy and Zamarr Institute opened their doors. For the first time, animals — dogs, rabbits, aquarium fish, and even a turtle — became partners in therapy sessions.



“The challenge in a sense still followed us in terms of the fact that



till date, we rarely have pictures or anything to show. Pictures and things we have to show are the ones that the centers that we work with provide. We normally have an agreement with them that we are not allowed to take shots, to take videos, to take anything when we come on site. We just run the interventions and then we leave. They take pictures, they post. Then, when they post, we have access to that,’’ says Agbonika.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-of-aai">The science of AAI</h4>



AAI is more than just a feel-good activity.



Studies have demonstrated that interactions with animals can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing levels of oxytocin, often referred to as the ‘love hormone’, which promotes feelings of bonding and trust. These chemical changes in the brain can help children regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve their mood, making them more receptive to therapeutic interventions.



A report published in 2023 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that, in 2019, 317 million children and young people were affected globally by health conditions contributing to a developmental disability. Autism, in particular, has seen a rise in diagnosis rates, leading to a greater demand for effective interventions.



Traditional therapy, such as speech or occupational therapy, remains crucial, but experts believe that complementary approaches like AAI can significantly enhance the overall progress of children who are neurodivergent.



In Nigeria, where resources for children with neurodevelopmental conditions are often limited, AAI offers a promising new approach.



For example, during a therapy session, Adinoyi is encouraged to lead Tish on a short walk, a simple activity that helps him practise communication and motor coordination. At first glance, it seems like a basic task, but for a child with autism, it represents a complex interaction — giving instructions, paying attention to the dog’s behavior, and responding accordingly. These small moments of success build confidence and help children develop the social and cognitive skills they need for everyday life.



“Animal-assisted services work in a number of ways. One of which is known as animal-assisted therapy involves delivering therapeutic intervention that is first of all planned, goal-oriented, and run by credentialed professionals who are licensed. What we have been able to do is animal-assisted activities which are unstructured interactions between the children and the animals. We reach out to the centers or they reach out to us and we agree to a date when we mobilize our animals there for the children to interact with them. We are now looking to transition to providing direct services,” Agbonika explains.



For some children, it’s dogs that work for them; for others, it might be aquarium fish. ‘’For example, a girl, I know, prefers anything in water. The key is finding what resonates with the child.”



Dotun Akande, founder of one of Nigeria’s pioneering autism centers, Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, in Lagos, shares a similar success story at Dogalov’s inaugural



Human-Animal Interactions Conference in 2021. Akande’s center was founded in 2006 after difficulties finding resources for her son with autism; she first experimented with rabbits, which failed to engage the children. But when they introduced goats, a child who had previously struggled to communicate, drew a picture of the animals— another breakthrough moment.



“We now use chickens to help children improve their communication skills while learning about the evolution and development of animals. With daily exposure to these animals, the children have shown significant improvement in their interactions.



“It’s one of the simplest ways to teach children and understand animal development. This approach should be adopted in all schools, not just special needs centers,” Akande shares with FORBES AFRICA.



According to Akande, this initiative has also inspired one adult to assist at her mother’s poultry farm, while another is seeking a part-time role at a veterinary clinic to gain more knowledge.



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-on-the-path-to-progress">Challenges on the path to progress</h4>



The road to acceptance of animal-assisted therapy in Nigeria is as winding as the streets of the country. Despite the successes, Dogalov faces significant hurdles.



A devastating heatwave in Abuja recently claimed the lives of several of their therapy animals, including Bishop, a favorite dog at the special need centers they partner with. Rebuilding their animal cohort has been both costly and time-consuming. Funding is another persistent issue. While Dogalov received a small grant of N1 million ($600) from the ‘Friends of Prof’ initiative instituted to commemorate the then Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo birthday in 2021, much of its work relies on personal contributions. “We have spent over $15,000 thus far, with much of it being self-funded or con- tributions from family, friends or the Dogalov board of trustees. It has more or less been my own dogs that I have as a pet enthusiast…”



<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-bigger-picture">The bigger picture</h4>



For Agbonika and his team, AAI is more than a therapeutic tool — it’s a movement to reshape how Nigerian society views disabilities. Dogalov’s annual Human-Animal Interactions Conference, whose fourth edition was held virtually in August 2024, serves as a platform to educate stakeholders and build partnerships.



Agbonika is joined by Praise Akobo, a fellow veterinarian with her own unique connection to the cause. Living with “an invisible disability”, Akobo found solace in her work with animals. “I always believed animals could play a role in supporting people with disabilities,” she says. In 2022, she reached out via LinkedIn to Dogalov, where she now helps bridge the gap between veterinary medicine and human service professionals.



Akobo looks forward to the possibility of the first physical conference if they are able to attract the required funding for operations with a minimal estimation of $50,000 by Agbonika. The initiative is also exploring partnerships with corporate sponsors and international organizations to scale its efforts. For children like Adinoyi, these animals are more than companions — they’re lifelines to a world of unlimited possibilities.

Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA