Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Africa’s institutional capital pool rose sharply to more than $2trn in 2025, but the continent continues to struggle to channel these funds into critical infrastructure and industrial development, according to a new report by the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

The findings, published in the AFC’s latest State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report released in Nairobi, highlight a widening disconnect between the rapid growth in financial assets held by African institutions and their limited deployment into productive sectors capable of driving economic growth and job creation.

According to the report, Africa’s total institutional capital pools expanded by 25 per cent from approximately $1.6trn in 2024 to over $2trn in 2025.

The assets are spread across a broad range of institutions, including more than $1trn in pension and insurance funds, about $275bn in public development banks, $164bn in sovereign wealth funds, and roughly $530bn in central bank reserves.

The growth in capital reserves was partly attributed to favourable global market conditions, particularly rising gold prices, which boosted the value of central bank holdings across the continent. The report noted that this trend has strengthened the case for leveraging domestic savings as a key source of development finance.

Despite this progress, the AFC stressed that the availability of capital is not the primary constraint. Instead, the challenge lies in how these resources are allocated.

A significant portion of institutional funds continues to be invested in low-risk instruments such as government bonds, limiting the flow of capital into infrastructure, manufacturing, and other productive sectors.

“Capital is accumulating across Africa, but it is not creating jobs at scale. That is the disconnect we must fix,” said Chief Executive Officer of the AFC, Samaila Zubairu.

The report described the situation as a “failure of alignment” between capital availability and development priorities, warning that conservative investment strategies are constraining economic transformation.

It added that without deliberate policy and regulatory reforms to incentivise long-term investments, Africa risks missing an opportunity to leverage its growing financial base to close its infrastructure gap.

Infrastructure deficits remain a major bottleneck to growth across the continent, affecting sectors such as energy, transport, and industrial production. Analysts estimate that Africa requires tens of billions of dollars annually to meet its infrastructure needs, yet funding shortfalls persist despite rising domestic capital.

The AFC called for stronger frameworks to mobilise institutional investors, deepen capital markets, and create bankable projects that can attract long-term financing. It also emphasised the importance of aligning investment strategies with national development goals to ensure that accumulated capital translates into tangible economic outcomes.

Africa’s $2trn Assets Yet To Boost Infrastructure Investment — Report is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a terrorist infiltration into Kanama town in Borno State, killing four suspected insurgents during a response operation.

This was disclosed in a post shared by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert in the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama via his X handle.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of the 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops discovered that suspected terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community and engaged them in a gun battle.

The attackers were overpowered and forced to retreat, while troops conducted follow-up operations in the area.

During the operation, four suspected insurgents were neutralised.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, was injured during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical treatment.

No military equipment was reported lost.

Items recovered from the suspects include two mobile phones and cash.

Security sources said the situation in the area remains under monitoring, with troops maintaining operations to prevent further attacks.

Troops repel terrorist infiltration in Borno, neutralise four insurgents

A former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that democracy is the most viable system of governance, despite its inherent imperfections.

Mohammed made this assertion during a high-level interactive session at St John’s College, Cambridge, convened by the Cambridge University Nigeria Society.

A statement on the session was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Nnamdi Atupulazi, Head of Strategic Communications in the former Minister’s media office.

Atupulazi said the event brought together Nigerian students and scholars in the diaspora for a candid discussion on the state of democracy, governance and development in Nigeria. He said participants at the sessionraised concerns about the effectiveness of democracy in Nigeria in the context of low educational penetration.

Atupulazi said, while responding to the concerns, Mohammed stressed that the real challenge was not in the principle of equal voting rights, but in the socio-economic conditions that shape voter behaviour. The former minister noted that improving access to education, healthcare and infrastructure, particularly in underserved regions, is critical to strengthening democratic outcomes.

Addressing the link between insecurity and social exclusion, Mohammed said insurgency and banditry were driven, in part, by poverty, lack of education and marginalisation. He emphasised that military action alone was insufficient and rather called for a balanced approach that integrates non-kinetic measures such as education and economic development.

Earlier in a presentation, Mohammed underscored the central role of communication in governance, describing it as the “lifeblood” that connects leadership to the people. He argued that governance in the modern era cannot succeed without deliberate, strategic and credible communication.

“Communication is not a supporting function of governance, it is central to it. It is the bridge between the state and its citizens, the system through which policies are explained, legitimacy is built and trust is sustained,” he said.

Drawing on his unique experience as both an opposition spokesman and government spokesperson, the former minister highlighted the transformation of political communication in the digital age.

“We have moved from top-down messaging to real-time public conversation. Citizens today do not just receive information, they interrogate it, challenge it and actively shape the narrative,” he said.

Mohammed warned that governments must adapt to this evolving reality by becoming more transparent, responsive and consistent in their communication strategies.

Reflecting on his time in office, Mohammed cited multi-platform communication as a defining achievement, shifting from one-way messaging to active engagement, integrating citizen feedback into governance and decision-making. He stressed communication’s central role, drawing from his book to show how it shaped narratives, managed crises, and defended national interests.

Mohammed recalled that during COVID-19, communication was Nigeria’s strongest tool, driving compliance with safety measures and significantly reducing the pandemic’s impact.

On the P&ID case, the former minister highlighted a dual approach of legal action and media engagement, stressing the need to influence both court proceedings and global public opinion.
He also recalled the many misinformation during EndSARS and justified the Twitter suspension on security grounds.

The former minister, who is on a three-day speaking engagement in the UK concluded that effective communication is indispensable in times of crisis.

Democracy Still Best System Despite Flaws — Lai Mohammed is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Lagos State Safety Commission, has carried out a one-day safety sensitisation programme aimed at improving emergency response and crisis handling among its staff.

The Lagos State Government said in a statement that the training, held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Ministry’s conference room, brought together management and staff, with a focus on building safety awareness, reducing workplace risks, and equipping participants with practical knowledge to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Welcoming participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resource, Taoreed Dosunmu, stressed that safety should be treated as a daily duty.

“A strong safety culture is essential for preventing accidents, safeguarding lives, and improving workplace productivity,” Oyekan-Ismaila said.

She also highlighted the need for personal responsibility in safety management, adding that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a safe and secure environment.

In her presentation, the Director of Safety Training and Sensitisation at the Commission, Oluwatosin Sobola, explained the concept of safety and outlined the roles of key emergency response agencies in the state.

According to her, these agencies include the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, noting the importance of contacting the right agency during emergencies.

She also provided practical safety tips covering the workplace, road use, and home environment, while identifying common risks such as physical hazards, electrical dangers, and emergency-related threats.

Sobola further listed preventive measures, including proper handling of equipment, avoiding overloaded electrical sockets, ensuring clear emergency exits, and maintaining good housekeeping to prevent slips and falls.

She urged staff to focus on early identification of hazards, report unsafe conditions without delay, and follow established safety rules.

Participants were also advised to stay alert, practice defensive driving, and adopt safety-conscious habits at home to reduce risks.

Lagos moves to reduce workplace hazards through Safety training

The Police Service Commission (PSC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has fixed April 28–30, 2026, for the written examination for applicants seeking enlistment as Police Constables (General Duty and Specialist).

Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs (Spokesman), Police Service Commission, Abuja, in a statement on Thursday, said the exercise will take place at designated centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Commission stated that only candidates who successfully passed the physical and credential screening are eligible, adding that qualified applicants are to log on to www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng from Friday, April 24, 2026, to print their Examination Invitation Card, which indicates the specific date, time and venue of their test.

Required items for the examination include a pen, National Identification Number (NIN) slip from NIMC (with clear photograph), printed Examination Invitation Card, and a dress code comprising white shorts, a white T-shirt and white canvas shoes.

According to the statement, the Police Service Commission reiterated that the recruitment process is entirely free and warned that any form of job racketeering, scams or financial inducement will be met with the full force of the law.

Police constable recruitment exam to begin April 28

McLaren have made 11-year-old Harry Williams their youngest ever signing.

Williams is two years younger than F1 great Lewis Hamilton was when he joined the team in 1998.

Ella Hakkinen – daughter of double F1 world champion Mika – was previously the youngest driver currently on the McLaren driver development programme, having joined last year aged 14.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton joined the programme aged 13, going on to make his F1 debut in 2007.

Reigning champion and McLaren driver Lando Norris also came through the programme, joining aged 17.

“Our goal is to build a consistent pipeline, laddering into our race programmes in F1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship for many years to come, and adding Harry as a talented young karter demonstrates this,” said Alessandro Aluni Bravi, McLaren’s chief business affairs officer.

“For this driver, I think there is no target, no pressure other than enjoy karting to get maximum experience, but also to understand what does it mean to be a McLaren driver.”

Williams, from Cheshire, first started karting in 2021 and was the 2025 British Open Champion, O plate winner in the Italian Waterswift Series and was fifth in the European Waterswift Championship.

“I am really excited to join the McLaren driver development programme. They’re known for developing talent, so it’s great to join the team as I continue to progress in karting and into single-seater racing in the future,” he said.

McLaren Sign 11-Year-Old To Young Driver Programme is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Activist, Omoyele Sowore, has questioned the effectiveness of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, arguing that the policy has deepened economic hardship rather than alleviated the sufferings of Nigerians.

He stated that the reform has not translated into improved living conditions, insisting that ordinary citizens have borne the brunt of the policy shift.

Sowore spoke on Thursday, during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, and monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta.

He criticised the current administration’s economic direction, maintaining that the value of the naira has collapsed and is an evidence of economic mismanagement.

According to him, inflation, borrowing, and wage stagnation have worsened under the policy framework introduced by the administration.

His words, “Well, the economic situation in the country is transparent to all of you. It’s not something that you need an expert analyst to tell you. Like the government from day one of its inception mismanaged the Nigerian economy. And how do you know?

“The strength of your currency is one of the ways you judge your economic relevance and your purchasing power. It went from 400 Naira that Tinubu met in Naira, to a dollar. And now we are now at 1,400 or 450, as the case may be, or 1,500.”

Sowore further argued that the removal of subsidy was accompanied by promises that have not been fulfilled, stressing that citizens have not seen any improvement in infrastructure or social services.

“He removed what he called subsidy and lied to all of you that the removal of subsidy will lead to more prosperity, that he will invest the money in building roads and securing your neighborhoods and securing your schools, and he will somehow give you more money in your pocket. Ask yourself, has that happened? So all of you are vanquished economically.

“We have engaged, or he has engaged in borrowing money that has never been done before. They are borrowing money to pay salaries. They are borrowing money to do everything. The Nigerian economy can’t even fulfill its obligations to its lawful budget. So you have several ministries that get zero capital revenues for their ministries. So what economy are you talking about?”

“There is no economy here anymore. People are just living from hand to mouth. A lot of people can’t even lift their hand to mouth anymore. That’s where we are. So there’s nothing to evaluate economically about this Tinubu regime.

“Nigeria has gone bankrupt since removal of subsidy. How do you know you’re bankrupt? Because you can’t even fulfill basic obligations” he added.

He argued that the removal has benefitted only a small elite group while worsening inflation and insecurity.

“I ask again, who has benefited from the removal of subsidy? If you know anybody, please point them to me. Apart from the 1% people who dominate the political and economic stage.”

Sowore insisted that economic policy must be judged by its impact on ordinary citizens rather than macroeconomic indicators alone, arguing that Nigeria’s current direction reflects elite protection rather than public welfare.

Sowore questions Tinubu’s reform, says Nigerian govt mismanaged economy

President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the United States Navy to destroy any vessels attempting to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue over access to the critical shipping route.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said U.S. forces should “shoot and kill” any boats found placing mines in the waterway, adding there should be “no hesitation.” He also called for mine-clearing operations in the strait to be intensified.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, carries about 20 percent of global oil shipments, making it one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

The United States has accused Iran of deploying naval mines in recent weeks, disrupting shipping and complicating efforts to restore safe passage after clashes involving U.S., Israeli and Iranian forces. Tehran has not publicly responded to the claims.

U.S. officials say clearing the mines could take months, citing the scale of the operation and ongoing security risks.

The order comes as the United States maintains an increased naval presence in the region, including mine-clearing operations by specialised vessels and unmanned systems. Reports of attacks and ship seizures earlier this week have heightened concerns over maritime security.

Trump has also called on allied nations, including major energy importers, to support efforts to secure the route.

Oil prices rose on Thursday amid uncertainty over when normal transit through the strait will fully resume. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

The situation remains fluid, with U.S. forces on heightened alert.

Trump Orders U.S. Navy To Destroy Mine-Laying Boats In Hormuz is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has disbursed N434.5 million as the final tranche of support funds to complete ongoing projects in schools nationwide.

The funds are under the 2023 and 2024 School-Based Management Committee–School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP).

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the national flag-off of the 2025 SBMC-SIP implementation, disbursement ceremony and launch of the Learner Retention Programme.

Garba was represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical), Mr Rasaq Akinyemi.
She said the disbursement would support the completion of 11,484 ongoing projects across beneficiary schools in the 36 states and the FCT.

According to her, the projects include minor infrastructure rehabilitation, provision of classroom furniture, construction of classrooms and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities aimed at improving learning environments.

Garba said the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening community participation in school governance and improving access to quality basic education.

“The SBMC-SIP remains one of the Commission’s most impactful community-driven interventions. At its core lies a simple but powerful principle; schools perform demonstrably better when communities are actively involved in their governance and development.

“Through this programme, communities identify priority needs, participate in project execution, promote accountability, and support enrolment and retention efforts,” she said.

Garba said that since the inception of the SBMC-SIP, UBEC had supported 1,112 schools nationwide, with over N1.5 billion disbursed across implementation cycles. She added that the programme had facilitated 13,670 completed and ongoing community-driven projects, expected to attract more than 400,000 children back to school.

The UBEC boss announced that under the 2025 SBMC-SIP cycle, a total of N5.18 billion had been earmarked for disbursement to 518 communities nationwide. She said the funding would benefit 14 schools in each of the 36 states and the FCT, with priority given to underserved communities facing infrastructure deficits.

Garba said the 2025 intervention would focus on the renovation of dilapidated structures, improved WASH facilities and the provision of essential classroom furniture to enhance learning outcomes. She emphasised that strict adherence to transparency, accountability and monitoring guidelines would guide implementation, adding that UBEC would collaborate closely with State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs) and community stakeholders.

The executive secretary also announced the launch of the Learner Retention Programme designed to tackle socio-economic barriers responsible for school dropout. She said the programme would target one million learners across eight states in its first phase, with a budget of N5 billion.

Garba noted that the initiative aims to encourage regular school attendance, reduce dropout rates and strengthen parental commitment to children’s education. Earlier, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening basic education delivery through improved infrastructure, community participation and learner retention.

He was represented by the Director of Basic Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David.
Alausa said the initiatives demonstrate the administration’s resolve to improve school infrastructure, promote community ownership and ensure that every Nigerian child enrols, remains in school and completes basic education.

He noted that the programmes are anchored on national education frameworks, including the Universal Basic Education Act 2004, the National Policy on Education and federal and state Education Sector Plans.

According to him, the interventions also align with Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education.
Alausa said the initiatives would consolidate gains recorded under existing education programmes such as HOPE-EDU and the Better Education Service Delivery for All Additional Financing (BESDA AF).

He described the SBMC-SIP as a strategic platform that empowers School-Based Management Committees to take ownership of school development through transparent planning and accountable implementation.

He said the disbursement would enable beneficiary schools to complete critical projects, procure learning materials and undertake rehabilitation works aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions nationwide.

Alausa stressed that education transformation requires active participation of communities, noting that meaningful impact can only be achieved through decentralised governance and grassroots ownership.

“Our children deserve quality education in safe, inclusive and supportive environments. The Federal Government will continue to provide policy direction, funding support and leadership to the sector,” he said.

UBEC Releases N434.5m, Earmarks N5.18bn For School Infrastructure is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Kylian Mbappe’s social media activity has added to the debate surrounding who could be Real Madrid’s next manager.

With Los Blancos looking set to end the season without a trophy – they are out of all cup competitions and nine points behind Barcelona with six games remaining in La Liga – scrutiny has intensified on head coach Alvaro Arbeloa and whether he will be in charge next season.

Real president Florentino Perez is expected to assess his options and former boss Jose Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, is among those to have been linked with a return.

Mourinho managed the Spanish club between 2010 and 2013, winning La Liga with a record-breaking 100-point total, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his time in charge,

Speculation increased after fans noticed that star striker Kylian Mbappe had liked a social media post suggesting Mourinho could be a leading candidate for the role.

The post highlighted the Portuguese coach’s win rate during his previous spell and his impact on Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.

Asked about Mbappe’s social media activity before Friday’s game against Real Betis, Arbeloa played down its significance.

“These are things I don’t even consider,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me if he gives a like to Mourinho, Julia Roberts or anyone else. It has no importance.”

It’s not the first time American actor Roberts has been mentioned by a football manager.

In 2023, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that she was one of his three idols, alongside Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

When asked about his future at the club, Arbeloa shifted the focus to the upcoming match.

“My responsibility is to win every game, that’s how I see it and that’s what I ask of the players. We have to be professional and respectful of the badge.

“My role isn’t to motivate Real Madrid players. They already set the highest standards for themselves. My job is to prepare them for what they’ll face on the pitch.”

Real Madrid now face three consecutive away matches, the final one of which is away at Barcelona on 10 May, before finishing the season with two home games aside of one more away game.

‘Mourinho Or Roberts, It Doesn’t Matter’ – Arbeloa On Mbappe is first published on The Whistler Newspaper