₦airaland Forum

RandDigital:
The store, located at Fourways Mall in Johannesburg, replaces the former Game outlet and represents the company’s first visible branding effort since acquiring local retail group Massmart.

Walmart first bought a 51% stake in Massmart in 2010 and completed full ownership in 2022, delisting it from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange shortly after.


The rebranding marks a new chapter for the U.S. giant, which had long relied on Massmart’s brands, Makro, Game, and Builders, to navigate South Africa’s complex retail landscape.

“This move is part of Walmart’s strategy to localise while leveraging its global expertise in logistics and pricing,” analysts told Bloomberg, adding that the group’s Every Day Low Price (EDLP) model will target South Africa’s cost-conscious consumers.

Walmart’s push comes amid a fiercely competitive market dominated by Shoprite, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, SPAR, and others.

Yet, the company appears unfazed. Its entry aligns with the retailer’s global playbook: start local, scale quickly, and offer unbeatable prices.

More Walmart-branded stores are expected to roll out across the country in the coming weeks, with the company signaling plans to strengthen both its physical and online retail presence.

According to the Online Retail in South Africa 2025 report, the country’s e-commerce sector is growing at 38% annually, is now valued at about $7 billion, and is projected to capture 10% of the retail market this year.

Analysts say Walmart’s renewed investment, rather than retreat, shows long-term confidence in Africa’s retail potential.

As one put it: “Walmart’s story in South Africa is no longer about survival. It’s about scale, strategy, and a renewed bet on Africa’s middle class.”

Gotocourt:
If you people like, don't use Tinubu to get federal infrastructure. I can't just explain what's wrong with southern politicians

naptu2:
Man of Letters @Letter_to_Jack



https://x.com/Letter_to_Jack/status/1976905169175474320?

Man of Letters @Letter_to_Jack

anonimi:
Maybe he is confusing the two men for Tinubu, the serial betrayer

donbenie:
Yoruba bigotry didn't start today..

You lot were in cahoots with the Military until Babangida and Abacha dealt with MKO..

If Abiola was a non Yoruba ,non of you would have given a hoot about his plight.

Pogba12:
The Final Photograph: Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s Last Public Appearance Before His Death



Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BYXULqcfc/

anonimi:
Maybe the International Thief and Traitor, ITT in the middle deserved the crucifixion



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jptR_YwCs3o

ogododo:
Promises renewed focus on tracing such flows to plug fiscal leakages

•Upgrades Nigeria’s 2025 economic growth forecast to 3.9%
•Cites stronger domestic fundamentals
•Calls for credible fiscal, monetary policies
•Downgrades global economic growth forecast to 2.8%


The International Monetary Fund, IMF, has decried Illicit Financial Flows, IFFs out of Nigeria, noting that it was contributing to the worsening revenue problem of the country.

The Managing Director of the global institution, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, who stated this at the ongoing 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington DC, promised renewed focus on tracing such flows to plug fiscal leakages.

She said: “We believe that for countries like Nigeria, the IMF’s renewed focus on tracing Illicit Financial Flows could provide a blueprint for plugging the fiscal leakages that have long undermined revenue generation and sustainable growth”.

Georgieva warned of the growing threat of illicit financial flows, IFFs, phenomenon which, she said, had become a major factor undermining the economic and financial stability of nations across the globe.

According to her, illicit financial flows which include stolen public funds, proceeds from criminal activities, and untraceable digital transactions, continue to erode governance systems, drain public resources, and cripple developmental efforts, especially in developing economies.

In a recent policy briefing, IMF officials had noted that IFFs now come in “multiple dimensions.” These range from outright embezzlement of taxpayers’ money to private funds channeled into illegal ventures that threaten national welfare.

The digital economy, they added, had further complicated the challenge with cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, providing an avenue for anonymous financial transactions.

The IMF boss said:”You may have money, just plainly stolen money that belongs to the taxpayers. You may have private money directed for criminal activities undermining the welfare of citizens.

“Now with digital money, criminal activities can be funded without being traced. This is a serious problem, and we have to take it as such.”

In response, the IMF disclosed that it had strengthened its Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism, AML/CFT, framework, following a comprehensive review in 2023.

She said: “Following the money has now become a compulsory part of the IMF’s annual Article IV consultations — the standard economic health check for member countries.

‘’This ensures that the fund routinely assesses each nation’s exposure to illicit flows and financial integrity risks.”

The MD added that the IMF was embedding lessons from past experiences into its financial sector evaluation tools to better trace illicit transactions and vulnerabilities.

In addition, she said for countries seeking IMF financial assistance, any program design would now include specific measures to address the problem of illicit flows, particularly where such challenges are deemed systemic.

Ms. Georgieva also said the Fund was supporting member countries through technical assistance and training to enable local authorities detect, trace and respond effectively to suspicious financial activities.

“We need to train country authorities so they can trace illicit financial flows, be more alert, and act quickly. Digital tools help in tracking money, but they also create new avenues for evading oversight,’’ she added.

Governance and the way forward
The MD emphasised that curbing illicit financial flows goes beyond financial systems to the very core of governance and institutional integrity.

She said through its Governance Diagnostics initiative, the Fund was helping countries identify structural weaknesses that allowed corruption and financial crimes to thrive.

“The governance diagnostic is not an audit, it is about identifying vulnerabilities in the institutional setup, the breeding grounds for problems and proposing reforms to address them,” the IMF boss said.

She encouraged greater collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners in tackling the menace.

Her words: “We ask our teams to engage with civil society and non-government institutions because they often know where the vulnerabilities lie. Working together, we can build trust and achieve more.”

She commended ongoing partnerships with countries, such as Sri Lanka and Kenya, which have embraced collaborative frameworks to combat financial crimes while strengthening governance structures.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/illegal-financial-flows-out-of-nigeria-worsening-countrys-revenue-problem-imf/

naptu2:
Independence Day celebrations of the 1970s and 1980s (Videos and Memories).

Decorations, horses and fighter planes

Usually, almost a week before October 1st, there would be flags and buntings on Awolowo Road all the way to Tafawa Balewa Square and on the other side of the neighbourhood, there would also be flags, balloons and buntings from Obalende Road, through Moloney Street and then to Catholic Mission Street (beside Tafawa Balewa Square).

I was always torn between going outside to see whether the mounted police escorted the president all the way from Ribadu Road to Tafawa Balewa Square or watching the arrival sequence on TV. I always ended up watching it on TV. I was never quite sure if the mounted police escorted the president all the way from their barracks on Ribadu Road or whether, as a soldier on parade told me, they only escorted him from outside the arena into the arena.

My Favourite part of the parade began from the 21 gun salute onwards. I would usually go and stand in the doorway and I’d usually hear the explosion from the artillery guns on TV first and then in real life. It took longer for the sound to travel directly to me than it did for me to hear it on TV. Then, immediately after the gun salute, I’d see the fighter jets on TV and I’d go outside to see two fighter jets and two attack helicopters flying over Five Cowrie Creek. There’s usually green and white smoke trailing the jets. Someone told me that they used to threw toys from the helicopters once upon a time, but I don’t know if that’s true.

I also loved watching the various armoured vehicles as they rolled past. There was a particular year that I felt sorry for President Shagari. I was wondering how he was able to stand at the saluting dais for such a long time. Almost at the same time, my mum asked how the president was able to cope with the noise from all the armoured vehicles that were going past.

Taiwo Obileye and Dame Julie Coker

My favourite Independence Day commentators on the NTA were Taiwo Obileye and Julie Coker.

Taiwo Obileye was absolutely wonderful. He would tell you the name of the parade commander and the name of the parade commander’s horse. He would also tell you the number of times that the horse has taken part in these kind of parade and explain that that’s why the horse was still when the 21 gun salute was fired and when the armoured vehicles and fighter jets went past. Taiwo Obileye’s diction was absolutely flawless and it was a joy to listen to him.

I was in love with Julie Coker and so I watched anything that she presented. She was a perfect professional.

Obasanjo and Thabo Mbeki

I remembered Taiwo Obileye during one of the Independence Day parades in the early 2000s. That’s because the parade commander’s horse nearly threw him off and bolted when the 21 gun salute was being fired. The horse was frightened. Then the NTA showed Obasanjo and Mbeki and they were both laughing at the parade commander. I wonder why they didn’t use a horse that had experienced that kind of frightening noise before. None of the horses in the 1970s and ‘80s panicked like that.

The crazy people

It was also quite interesting to see the various schools that were marching past. C1982 (or was it 1981) a particular group of crazy students (who shall not be named) displayed a particular brand of madness while they were right in front of President Shagari. Schools usually try to put on a unique display when they get in front of the president, but that one was just insane (and you won’t believe the things they told me afterwards).

Nigeria is 25!

President Babangida usually staged a “Command Performance” on the night before Independence Day (September 30th). This was usually a dinner at which the major entertainment acts in Nigeria at the time would perform. I remember that the cast of the New Masquerade performed a couple of times, as did the cast of Samanja (it was said that Samanja was General Babangida’s favourite TV show).

A lot of activities were lined up for Nigeria’s 25th anniversary celebrations in 1985. Famous singer, Bongos Ikue, wrote the lyrics of a television jingle. It went



* = forgotten lyrics.

President Babangida wanted the most famous comedian in Nigeria at that time, John Chukwu, to host the command performance, but JC had gone to his village on holiday, so President Babangida had to send the presidential jet to pick him up and bring him to Lagos.

I remember that the NTA showed a (pre=recorded) variety show that morning and there were lots of stars on the show. I remember that Veno Marioghae was on the show as well as Samanja. I remember it because all the guests were made to sing along to a song that was composed for the anniversary (I think the song was by Veno). My aunt laughed heartily when Samanja sang his part. She couldn’t believe that Samanja could sing.


1986 Independence Day Drama.

The usual arrival sequence on Independence Day during the military era was,

1) The service chiefs and the inspector general of police (they received the general salute)

2) The minister of defence & chairman joint chiefs of staff (he received the general salute)

3) The chief of staff Supreme Headquarters/chief of general staff (he received the national salute. The first 4 lines of the anthem)

4) The president/head of state and commander in chief (he received the national salute. The full anthem).

This was also the order of precedence at national events.

However, there was a coup on August 27th, 1985 which created a strange arrangement.

1) The president was Major General Ibrahim Babangida.

2) The chief of general staff was Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe

3) The minister of defence and chairman joint chiefs of staff was Major General Domkat Bali

4) The service chiefs were Major General Sani Abacha (chief of army staff), Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (chief of naval staff) and Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Alfa (chief of air staff).

The question was, how can a commodore (one star general) be the chief of general staff (military vice president) when the minister of defence and service chiefs were two star generals? This was a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, General Bali was actually President Babangida’s senior and Admiral Aikhomu had been the chief of naval staff in Buhari’s administration when Ukiwe was just the flag officer commanding the Western Naval Command!

Well, the answer was that Ukiwe served in the Biafran Navy during the Civil War and therefore he lost a round of promotion. He could have also been a two star general if the Civil War had not happened.

Anyway, these issues came to a head ahead of the 1986 Independence Day parade. It was decided that Commodore Ukiwe should arrive the arena before the service chiefs. Commodore Ukiwe was not happy about this, so he did not attend the parade.

This is exactly the way I remember it. There were sirens and a motorcade arrived. The commentator said, “. . .the sirens heralding the arrival of the chief of general staff”. I looked through the window of the car and I could see a white naval uniform, so I naturally assumed that it was Ukiwe, but it was not. It was actually President Babangida and he was dressed in the uniform of an admiral! Ukiwe did not attend the parade at all!

Later that day, I heard that Ukiwe had been placed on house arrest. It was later announced that he had been retired from service. Four days later it was announced that Rear Admiral Aikhomu was the new chief of general staff and Rear Admiral Patrick Koshoni was the new chief of naval staff.

The next year, on October 1st, 1987, President Babangida promoted himself to a four star general, Aikhomu was promoted to a vice admiral (three star), Bali was promoted to a lieutenant general (three star), while the service chiefs were left as two star generals.

Abuja

The first national Independence Day parade that was held in Abuja was held in 1982, during the Shagari era. The Akinola Aguda Lodge was hurriedly built to serve as the presidential residence during the celebration. The old Parade Ground was also built at this time.

(See picture of the 22nd anniversary decoration in Abuja below)

President Babangida also staged the 1986 and 1987 Independence Day parades in Abuja. The Nicon Noga Hilton Hotel was built for the 1987 Command Performance, which was staged in the Congress Hall of the hotel.

(See picture of the Nicon Noga Hilton Hotel in 1987 below)


No Parades

The 1987 Independence Day parade was the last national Independence Day parade for a long time. There was no parade in 1988 and in fact, no parade was staged until 2000. My brother said that President Babangida was afraid that he would be killed in the same way that Anwar Sadat was killed.


Third picture below = Vice President Alex Ekwueme.

Fourth picture = General Buhari

FreeStuffsNG:
https://punchng.com/10-things-to-note-in-tinubus-65th-independence-day-broadcast/

HenryWilliams:
Why not send him to Abuja or Sokoto or Benue? Why Lagos, why the very place hostile to igbo business? Or it's written somewhere in Igbo DNA, only Lagos can make y'all successful?

You lot better start changing the destination to send those boys for apprenticeship, preferably a non SW city for starters.

Basic:
I'm not surprised one bit. And a lot more of similar incidents should be expected over time.

I've always respected Igbos for their resilience, creativity, and business acumen. That traditional business mentorship strategy that involves sending an Igbo boy to Lagos to work with an established boss who in turn establishes him after some years is one of the most effective business schooling systems I've ever known of.

But the problem now is, most Igbo youths of today want to be like the Igbo big men who went through that system BUT are not ready to go through the system themselves. Many of them now prefer to waste their time on social media and argue over frivolous topics. And when the issue of making money comes up, they start chasing shadows and want the easier way out -- not the system that has worked for successful Igbos for years.

BlackViper:
https://x.com/TrendingEx/status/1973081284558876999?t=kn2JgYI_KTjmO0G-
Tsw9ng&s=19

TruthU87:
The White House has released a photo of President Trump holding the phone in his lap as Netanyahu reads the apology letter to Qatar.

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-apologizes-qatar-attack-doha-source-says-2025-09-29/

delpee:
The pictures look like they're AI generated. There was a different story when the lady left and it had nothing to do with Ooni.

Hope this won't end up as a case of defamation.

Oosa4sure:
I can't believe this !! Irú pálapàla wò níyì, why would this be happening in between two Obas even if there's any elements of truth in this story of oluwo coming to public glare is degrading the yoruba race , it's simply a total disgrace !! Is this oluwo truly the choice of Orunmila/ ifá?

Ooni of Ife introduced me to my ex-Canadian wife and even plotted to eliminate me. My rift with him will never be over. — Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi

pic.twitter.com/6g7R22u6Hf

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) September 30, 2025

beerfraud:
https://punchng.com/us-extradites-nigerian-from-poland-over-multimillion-dollar-fraud/?amp

Difrent:
Agro processing for export, Benue is blessed with lots of exportable products
Fr Alia has said from next season, he won't allow some fruit taken out of the state raw again,eg oranges, they have to be processed into juice and is already building a juice factory

dre11:
Lagos State is set to venture into airline business, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hinted yesterday.

The state, he said, would soon begin the construction of its own airport in Lekki, a Lagos suburb which is fast-developing on the Epe axis.

Sanwo-Olu spoke during the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall meeting at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Ikeja, where he presented the scorecard of his administration to Lagosians.

He presented a catalogue of achievements in the West of Lagos.

The governor also attributed the delay in the kick-off of the ambitions 38-kilometre Fourth Mainland Bridge to funding challenges.

The bridge will connect Lagos Island across the Lagoon from Langbasa (Lekki) to Baiyeku, Itamaga in Ikorodu.

The 2 x 4 lane carriageway, with permission for Bus Rapid Transit Lane and future road contraction was designed to relieve traffic on the three bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland.

They are: Eko Bridge, Cater Bridge and the Third Mailand Bridge.

A one-time permanent secretary and retired Auditor- General for Local Government in the state, Pa Muhammed Hassan, believed Lagos was ripe to own an airline. He backed the governor’s proposal.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the airline business plan had been in the pipeline for months, with the state now finalising the financing model.

“What is being considered is the Federal Government’s approval and operational contingency for the airline,” the governor said.


At the meeting, Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, took feedback from residents, who posed questions.

The governor noted that the input from the public was necessary to guide his government’s decision on planned programmes and interventions before their implementation.

He pointed out that his administration had completed and opened 42 new roads projects and two flyovers in the district, with the combined length of the infrastructure spanning over 72 kilometres.

Saying that the last four and half years had seen Lagos taking a leap forward in its socio-economic and development trajectory, the governor said he remained resolute in doubling his efforts to keep the state on the sustainable growth path as his second term progresses.

The event was attended by members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), political, religious, business leaders and traditional rulers. Also there were members of the state executive council.
https://thenationonlineng.net/lagos-to-float-airline-build-airport-in-lekki/

BenuePolitician:
Benue state Government has disclosed plans to build an airport with three wings; International, Domestic and Cargo as well as an Export/Import Processing Zone in the state .

Governor Alia said the airport would be built along Makurdi-Gboko road to ameliorate the sufferings of Benue people.

Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Rev. Frederick Ikyaan stated this on Friday, 26th September, 2025 in a meeting with traditional rulers from the affected local government areas of Guma, Gboko, Gwer East and Tarka.

The Commissioner revealed that the Airport is to be cited on the left hand side of the road from Makurdi, immediately after Agasha junction while the Processing Zone will be on the right hand side of the same area, requiring land up to 100 hectares.

He said the Governor wants the project to commence immediately but deemed it fit to inform them before taking any further action.

He however informed that, survey of the land has already been done, adding that there is also need to plan the area for ease of development.

Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, Ter Gwer, Chief Dominic Akpe and Ter Gboko, Chief Gabriel Shosom all described the move as a welcome development that will help solve some of their problems including herdsmen invaders.

The traditional rulers particularly sent words of appreciation to Governor Hyacinth Alia for the noble project but requested for adequate compensation for indigenes of the affected communities.

They appreciated the Commissioner for the steps he has taken so far, saying they are happy with his disposition to carry them along by requesting them to provide representatives that will follow up developments there on their behalf.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey, Matthias Antor thanked the traditional rulers and charged them to enlighten their people as according to him, any correspondence from the community not endorsed by the chiefs will not be honored.

the Commissioner was flanked at the meeting by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Eunice Ihu, Director General, Benue Geographic Information System (BENGIS), Professor Daniel Amine, Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Surveyor Matthias Antor and Directors of the ministry among others.

Source: https://thesun.ng/benue-gov-alia-to-build-airport-export-import-processing-zone/

fergie001:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yMO7JbsQGY

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsZbkyEmj/

AMINDA:
On the contrary, Tinubu had a poor and almost disgraceful outing in Ibadan. From the whole Taye Currency insult to the body language of Seyi Makinde. If you are in Ibadan, then you will know Ladoja is more of an Atiku man than Tinubu. He supported Atiku in 2023. He will no longer be seen to be actively partisan as a royal father and that is okay.

ajbabs:
https://punchng.com/im-not-one-of-you-again-olubadan-tells-atiku/#google_vignette

cityboylagos:
https://eyesoflagos.com/when-will-you-blow-into-marriage-joeboys-mom-pressures-him-to-settle-down/

blamingthedevil:
US federal government shuts down after Senate fails to pass funding plans

Government shuts down: The federal government has officially shut down for the first time in six years after a deadlocked Congress failed to pass a funding measure to keep the lights on — and no one inside the Capitol knows what will happen next.

• Blame game: Once the funding deadline passed, Republicans and Democrats immediately began pointing fingers at one another for the shutdown. Republicans insist Democrats need to simply agree to extend current funding for another seven weeks. Democrats are demanding any funding bill contain an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies.

• What’s at stake? Every government shutdown differs, but functions that are critical to protect lives and property are typically deemed essential and stay open. Previous shutdowns canceled immigration hearings and delayed federal lending to homebuyers and small businesses, among other impacts.

https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/government-shutdown-trump-09-30-25