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Afreximbank, EU Investment Bank to Finance €300m COVID-19 Response

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COVID-19 Test

By Adedapo Adesanya

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s lending arm, are directing €300 million to finance the flexibility and recovery support of African countries in response to the COVID-19 epidemic.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Afreximbank on Wednesday, explaining that the money will guarantee companies across the continent the working capital to maintain jobs and maintain vital imports.

The support package is the first expedited COVID-19 response to the entire sub-Saharan region under the European Investment Bank’s European Team Initiative – a € 6.7 billion package, to help the most vulnerable and vulnerable countries respond to the immediate health crisis, mitigate social and economic impacts and build resilience for the future.

Support for sub-Saharan Africa is organized with Afreximbank in two parts, with the package reallocating €200 million of funds previously earmarked for trade-related investments, specifically channelled to sectors most affected by the epidemic.

Realizing the urgent need for support, Afreximbank and EIB are also pumping an additional €100 million into the package, according to the statement.

Giving reasons for this, it stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented negative impact on African economies, just as it has on countries around the world as manufacturing in the global supply chains is disrupted.

It noted that remittances from migrants to some of the world’s poorest economies have dwindled, leaving the most vulnerable groups in those markets worsening the difficulties.

As a result, many African economies suffer from serious weaknesses including liquidity pressure, the risks of defaults in trade payments and financial challenges, as well as reductions in foreign direct investment, long-term financing, and portfolio flows.

Part of the support package will be targeted to enable cross-border trade in medical supplies and equipment needed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, the support package will provide financing for long-term investments in commercial expansion, helping both commodity availability and growth in the economic boom and will also support the member states participating in the African Bank, including part of the Cotonou Agreement in sub-Saharan Africa.

The statement pointed out that there are two main areas of focus in Africa on women in business and the green revolution. As a result, it will target part of the business package owned or run by women.

In addition, at least 25 per cent of the funds earmarked will be allocated in the partnership framework for green projects, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change adaptation measures.

Afreximbank also explained that part of the funds will support factory redesign to manufacture personal protective equipment and other materials, through the African Medical Supplies platform, a digital platform promoted by Centre for Disease Control (CDC) Africa, Afreximbank, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union Envoy, Mr Strive Masiyiwa.

Quoting Mr Benedict Urama, President of Afreximbank, “As continental neighbours, Europe and Africa must stand together against the global epidemic. The funding announced today is welcome not only because it meets an urgent need, but because it is being published quickly.

“With the combined expertise of Afreximbank and the European Investment Bank, support will quickly reach the most affected and will be carefully designed to have the greatest impact on post-epidemic recovery.

“Moreover, the package’s support for green projects will help push Africa towards a sustainable economy for the future and all the opportunities it presents,” according to the head of the African Export Bank.

On the part of the EIB, Vice President Ambroise Fyol added, “Once again, the European Investment Bank is strengthening our close cooperation with Afreximbank to open high impact investments by companies across Africa.

“A total of €300 million was saved as a direct result of the Fast Track and Global Response support from the European Investment Bank as part of the Europe team.”

He continued: “The European Investment Bank Board agreed to increase funding with existing partners to provide an immediate response quickly.

“This new financing will work with Afreximbank to open up medical investment and ensure that investment in climate action does not delay to reduce energy use and emissions.”

Under the 2018 agreement, EIB and Afreximbank have already pumped some of the €200 million previously earmarked for projects that now support African countries ’resilience to the epidemic.

These include programs to expand intra-African trade and export manufacturing in sectors with high employment rates, and both organizations aim to continue to focus on this proven approach to providing short-term relief and long-term resilience.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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