Popular Nigerian gospel minister Nathaniel Bassey becomes the first Nigerian gospel artist to surpass 400 million streams across all credits on Spotify.According to The Debut Hub, this feat makes him the 43rd Nigerian artist overall to reach that streaming volume. The achievement closely follows the conclusion of the 2025 edition of his globally acclaimed online worship movement, the “Hallelujah Challenge” (held from October 7th to October 31st).Bassey is recognized as the leading gospel artist in Nigeria to achieve this level of streaming success, making him one of Africa’s most influential gospel figures.His popularity is driven by widely streamed worship songs like”Onise Iyanu,” “Adonai,” “Imela,” and various “Hallelujah Challenge” medleys, which have inspired millions of listeners globally. Nathaniel Bassey is equally famous for pioneering the Hallelujah Challenge, an annual, global online worship and prayer movement. It began unexpectedly as an Instagram Live session from his living room in 2017 but quickly grew into an inter-denominational movement uniting believers worldwide. The challenge typically runs for one hour daily, from 11:59 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Nigerian time), across social media platforms. The event is strictly a spiritual exercise and is not for commercial purposes. Bassey reportedly rejected an estimated ₦1.4 billion in potential YouTube revenue by choosing not to monetize his channel specifically for the Hallelujah Challenge.The spiritual exercise centers around the theme “Olowogbogboro”,a Yoruba term meaning “The One whose arms are broad or outstretched”, or “The outstretched arm of God”.
Nigerian creators dominate 2025 TikTok SSA Awards nominations
Nigerian digital creators have demonstrated their continental influence by securing the highest number of nominations for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).The nominations span nearly every major category, recognizing Nigerian talent from music and comedy to social commentary and education. The annual awards ceremony, which celebrates creators who have engaged, inspired, and connected communities, is scheduled to take place on December 6, in Johannesburg, South Africa.Nigerian content creators, artists, and commentators are prominent across the entire nominee list, placing Nigeria as a digital powerhouse in the SSA region.Public voting for the 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa is currently open.The voting window closes at midnight (CAT) on Friday, November 14, 2025, which is tomorrow.Fans are permitted to cast one vote per category per person per day via the official TikTok voting page. The public is encouraged to follow the official TikTok pages and use the hashtag #TikTokAwardsSSA in their posts to boost their favorite nominees.
Kenya Police arrest 3 Nigerians over alleged cyber fraud and illegal stay
Three Nigerians were arrested in Kenya by a joint operation team of police and immigration officers on Wednesday, November 12, over allegations of cyber fraud and illegal residency. The suspects, identified as Peter Chukwujekwu, Alazor Chukulute Sunday, and Nnalue Chiagozie Samwel, were apprehended at their hideout in Mwihoko village, Mwea East sub-county, following a tip-off from residents. Authorities recovered a cache of items linking them to a suspected cybercrime network, including 21 mobile phones, 79 SIM cards, 37 credit cards, and a Dell laptop.The operation was described by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as a well-coordinated multi-agency operation focused on dismantling a suspected cyber fraud ring.According to Kirinyaga County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Justus Imana, the recovered items suggest the trio was involved in a sophisticated fraud network. Authorities also recovered seven foreign currencies and items suspected to be used for witchcraft. Investigations revealed that the suspects had overstayed their visas and were in the country illegally, with their entry passes having expired. One individual reportedly arrived as early as 2021.The arrests were made after residents raised concerns over suspicious movements and late-night activities at the rented apartment where the Nigerians were operating.The three suspects are currently in police custody and are scheduled to be arraigned in court today, Thursday, November 13. Investigators are continuing to trace possible connections between the suspects and cross-border cybercrime syndicates.The arrests come a year after Kenya deported seven other Nigerians over allegations including drug trafficking, money laundering, and online fraud. Kenyan authorities have urged any potential victims of the suspects’ fraud activities to come forward for identification.
Utila joins the ABI Membership Network to strengthen institutional digital asset infrastructure across Africa
The Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) is proud to announce that Utila,a global leader in institutional digital asset infrastructure, has officially joined the ABI Membership Network.This partnership marks a significant step toward advancing the development of secure, scalable,and institution-ready digital asset infrastructure across Africa. As blockchain adoption gains momentum across the continent, the inclusion of Utila within the ABI Membership Network underscores a shared commitment to building resilient systems that enable institutions to securely manage and innovate with digital assets. The addition of Utila to our network comes at a defining moment for Africa’s digital transformation. As governments and enterprises increasingly explore blockchain for governance, finance, and infrastructure, Utila’s expertise in institutional-grade digital asset and stablecoin infrastructure will be instrumental in ensuring these innovations are secure,compliant,and sustainable – Kayode Babarinde, Executive Director of the Africa Blockchain Institute. Founded on the belief that the future of finance is digital, secure, and inclusive, Utila offers one of the most robust, secure, and scalable platforms for institutional digital asset operations. Through its cutting-edge technology, the company empowers organizations to manage, build,and innovate confidently within the rapidly evolving blockchain ecosystem. Africa is one of the most promising frontiers for stablecoin innovation and institutional digital asset adoption. Joining the Africa Blockchain Institute allows us to collaborate with leading policymakers, innovators, and financial institutions working to build secure, compliant, and inclusive financial infrastructure across the continent. We’re excited to contribute our expertise in institutional wallet infrastructure and stablecoin operations to help power the next wave of digital finance in Africa – Bentzi Rabi, Co-founder & CEO of Utila The partnership arrives at a pivotal time for Africa’s blockchain and digital asset landscape. As central banks, fintechs, and public institutions explore tokenization, digital currencies, and decentralized finance (DeFi), collaborations like this between ABI and Utila will play a vital role in shaping policy, building capacity, and developing real-world use cases. Together, we aim to establish a future-ready foundation for Africa’s digital economy, one where institutional adoption of blockchain technology drives inclusion, accountability,and sustainable growth. About Utila Utila is the future of institutional digital assets. The company provides the most robust, secure, and scalable platform for institutional digital asset operations, empowering organizations to securely manage and build on digital assets. By combining advanced security with operational simplicity, Utila enables enterprises and institutions to confidently embrace the next generation of digital finance. About the Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) The Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) is a pan-African think-and-do tank advancing blockchain education, research, policy, and enterprise development. Through strategic programs,ecosystem partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives, ABI works to drive blockchain adoption and innovation that supports Africa’s sustainable digital transformation. For Media Inquiries:Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI)info@africablockchain.institutewww.africablockchain.institute
Africa Blockchain Institute and 10,000 Codeurs unite to empower Africa’s digital future
The Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 10.000 Codeurs, a France-based non-profit organization dedicated to digital skills empowerment across Africa. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate blockchain education, research, and employability across the continent, ushering in a new era of Africa-driven digital transformation. The Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) has signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 10,000 Codeurs, a France-based non-profit organization dedicated to digital skills empowerment across Africa. This strategic partnership aims to accelerate blockchain education, research, and employability across the continent, ushering in a new era of Africa-driven digital transformation. Under the MoU, ABI and 10,000 Codeurs will co-develop and deliver blockchain-focused capacity-building programs, including blended learning bootcamps, hackathons, micro-credentials, and policy research initiatives designed to align with national digital transformation agendas across Africa. This collaboration bridges two powerful ecosystems – Africa’s blockchain innovation hub and one of its largest youth digital training movements. Together, we are building a continent-wide pipeline of blockchain talent that meets real employer demand while positioning Africa as a leader in emerging technology adoption – Kayode Babarinde, Executive Director of the Africa Blockchain Institute Through the partnership, ABI will provide blockchain curriculum resources, master trainers, technical oversight, and research expertise, while 10,000 Codeurs will coordinate learner recruitment, mentorship, and job placement through its expansive employer network. Both organizations will engage with governments and industry to ensure that blockchain skills development directly supports Africa’s economic modernization goals. Our vision has always been to transform Africa’s youth into drivers of the digital economy…By combining our expertise with ABI’s leadership in blockchain research and policy, we are equipping a new generation with the skills and mindset to build trusted, transparent, and inclusive digital systems for the continent – Douglas Mbiandou, President of 10,000 Codeurs The partnership emphasizes collaborative curriculum design, research publications, pilot deployments, and train-the-trainer programs, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of blockchain talent development. Certifications issued under this alliance will follow rigorous quality assurance and accreditation standards, establishing a unified benchmark for blockchain education in Africa. About Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) The Africa Blockchain Institute is a pan-African think tank and training institute focused on blockchain education, policy advocacy, and innovation. Headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, ABI drives blockchain adoption through capacity building, research, and ecosystem development. About 10,000 Codeurs 10,000 Codeurs is a France-based non-profit organization dedicated to preparing Africa’s youth for the digital economy through mentorship, training, and employment pathways. Operating across multiple African countries, it connects learners, trainers, and employers to unlock sustainable digital careers. For Media Inquiries: Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI)info@africablockchain.institutewww.africablockchain.institute 10,000 Codeurscontact@10000codeurs.comwww.10000codeurs.com
FEDA invests $75 million to boost the expansion of Spiro electric vehicle across Africa
The Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), part of Afreximbank, has committed $75 million to Spiro, the continent’s leading electric two-wheeler and battery-swapping network, to accelerate clean mobility across Africa.Founded in 2022, Spiro operates Africa’s largest electric motorcycle battery-swapping network, with over 60,000 electric motorcycles and 1,200 swapping stations spanning several countries.Afreximbank’s move aligns with the increasing push towards electric vehicle adoption by governments in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Ghana, which have recently rolled out pro-EV policies. The investment supports not only local vehicle manufacturing but also regional integration and knowledge transfer within Africa’s emerging clean energy ecosystem.Marlene Ngoyi, CEO of FEDA, said; Spiro’s success to date is a clear demonstration of the strength and scalability of its business model… it underscores the demand for sustainable mobility solutions across Africa Spiro’s approach combines commercial viability with social impact, driving practical progress toward cleaner transportation. The Federal Government’s launch of National Occupational Standards for compressed natural gas and electric vehicles further complements these efforts to reposition Nigeria’s automotive industry towards a cleaner future.