In Nigeria, a game show called Masoyinbo is turning one of the country’s most widely spoken indigenous languages into prime-time entertainment. Masoyinbo means “Do not speak English." Contestants, including those from the diaspora, are tested on their Yoruba language skills and cultural knowledge.
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Video - Nigerian game show revives interest in indigenous languages
In Nigeria, a game show called Masoyinbo is turning one of the country’s most widely spoken indigenous languages into prime-time entertainment. Masoyinbo means “Do not speak English." Contestants, including those from the diaspora, are tested on their Yoruba language skills and cultural knowledge.
Friday, September 4, 2026
Video - Nigerian terrorist groups turn to new funding methods
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit says terrorist groups are using deceased people’s bank accounts, social media and fake charity campaigns to raise and move funds. The money is routed through master accounts and remittance platforms to recipients in Nigeria, making it harder to trace.
Dozens die in Nigeria oil theft attempt after inhaling toxic fumes
An attempt to steal oil from a loading vessel in Nigeria’s oil-producing Rivers state left at least 37 people dead, most of them from inhaling toxic fumes, an advocacy group said Friday.
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, it said. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.
Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, where decades of oil exploration have led to high levels of poverty and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian government said oil theft causes several billion dollars in losses annually and has been clamping down on the practice.
By Dyepkazah Shibayan, AP
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Center said the victims were simultaneously siphoning crude products into their boats from an “illegal tapping point” on Thursday. It caused them to inhale toxic fumes at high pressure, it said. Many are still missing, according to the report, quoting a network of volunteers.
The Nigerian police confirmed the incident on Friday but gave no death toll and said an investigation was underway.
“The Rivers State Police Command can confirm the deaths. The victims were allegedly attempting to steal crude oil,” Blessing Agabe, Rivers State police spokesperson, said.
Oil theft is common in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest oil producer, where decades of oil exploration have led to high levels of poverty and environmental degradation.
The Nigerian government said oil theft causes several billion dollars in losses annually and has been clamping down on the practice.
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Uber to exit Nigeria after 12 years of operations
Ride-hailing company Uber Technologies will cease operations in Nigeria on September 2, ending its 12-year presence in Africa's most populous country, the company said in a notice to customers on Wednesday.
Uber decided to wind down its Nigerian business after a review of operations, it said without disclosing further details on the reasons for the move.
Competition in Nigeria's ride-hailing market has intensified in recent years, with operators facing challenges including rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility that have increased operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.
"After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," the company said in a message to users.
The San Francisco-based company's entry into West Africa's largest economy began with its Lagos launch in 2014 before expanding to other cities in the country to meet growing demand for app-based transportation.
Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23 to assist users with outstanding account-related issues.
Uber did not say how many drivers or riders would be affected by the closure or whether any assets would be sold.
An Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday that the company had also stopped operations in Uganda.
Users attempting to book rides on the app in Uganda on Thursday received a message alerting them of none available.
Uber decided to wind down its Nigerian business after a review of operations, it said without disclosing further details on the reasons for the move.
Competition in Nigeria's ride-hailing market has intensified in recent years, with operators facing challenges including rising fuel costs, inflation and currency volatility that have increased operating expenses and put pressure on drivers and platforms.
"After a thorough review of our business, we have made the tough decision to wind down our operations in Nigeria, effective 2 September 2026," the company said in a message to users.
The San Francisco-based company's entry into West Africa's largest economy began with its Lagos launch in 2014 before expanding to other cities in the country to meet growing demand for app-based transportation.
Uber said its help centre would remain available until September 23 to assist users with outstanding account-related issues.
Uber did not say how many drivers or riders would be affected by the closure or whether any assets would be sold.
An Uber spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Thursday that the company had also stopped operations in Uganda.
Users attempting to book rides on the app in Uganda on Thursday received a message alerting them of none available.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
Video - Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria
Nightlife thrives in deeply religious northern state of Nigeria Sokoto state is known as the “Seat of the Caliphate” for its role in the birth and propagation of Islam in the region.
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