‘Immediately After We Launched the IPO, the System, Including the Banks, Crashed’ - Dangote

 

Aliko Dangote has disclosed that heavy investor traffic following the launch of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s initial public offering (IPO) caused the system, including some banks, to crash.

Dangote made the disclosure during an interview with Bloomberg Television’s Francine Lacqua while discussing the performance of the refinery’s public share offering.

“Immediately after we launched the IPO, I think the whole system crashed, including the banks. Only the stock exchange was actually running alive,” Dangote said.

According to him, the disruption occurred shortly after the IPO opened on Monday as large numbers of people attempted to participate in the offer.

Dangote said the system experienced another crash about three days later, which he attributed to the volume of traffic generated by investors.

“But then we did it again. I think three days later it crashed again because of the number of traffic going in there to participate,” he said.

He added that the systems had stabilised and said efforts were underway to make it possible for investors from other African countries, including Kenya, Botswana and South Africa, to participate through banks.

Dangote said the company was targeting as many as 10 million shareholders as it seeks to broaden participation in the refinery’s ownership.

The billionaire described the offer as a “People’s IPO” and said its broader objective was to increase participation in African capital markets.

“The IPO that we’re doing is actually to bring in democracy into capital markets in Africa. It’s to have Africans to be able to participate in this prosperity,” he said.

The Dangote Refinery IPO opened on September 14, 2026, with 4.1 billion shares offered at ₦525 per share. The offer is scheduled to close on October 13, 2026.

The interview comes amid efforts by the company to attract individual investors across Nigeria and other African countries to participate in the public offering.

“Support Arsenal to Honour King Oyo”, Archbishop’s Funeral Remark Sparks Mixed Reactions

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba’s call to support Arsenal in honour of King Oyo has generated mixed reactions online.

A remark by the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraging people to support Arsenal in honour of the late King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV has sparked mixed reactions online.

Kaziimba made the comment on Saturday during the funeral service for King Oyo at St John’s Cathedral in Fort Portal, Uganda, as he spoke about the late monarch’s passion for sports.

“Let us promote sports, because he loved sports so much. He supported local tournaments, he supported the Uganda Cranes. Above all, he supported Arsenal. So, if you want to follow his legacy, support Arsenal, all of you,” the Archbishop said, drawing laughter and applause from mourners.

The comment was made as part of a broader appeal for the people of Tooro to preserve the late king’s legacy by continuing to support causes he promoted during his reign, including tourism, agriculture and sport.

However, reactions to the Arsenal remark were divided after the comment circulated on social media.

Some users welcomed the Archbishop’s words, with one commenter writing, “Arsenal oveeeee!!!! We need to win the Champions League to honour our King!!!”

Another user said, “In Omusuga’s voice all of us to support Arsenal! Nangwa,” appearing to embrace the Archbishop’s appeal.

Others took the comment humorously, with one user writing that supporting Arsenal was like “standing in the mid of the road when the big lorry is coming your way.”

Another commenter joked that it was unfortunate that King Oyo died without seeing Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League.

However, not everyone found the remark appropriate.

One user criticised the timing, writing, “I support Arsenal but this is nonsense at this time!”

Another questioned why football was being discussed during a funeral, saying the Archbishop should have been addressing more serious issues instead.

Other comments were more critical of Kaziimba personally, with some users describing the remark as inappropriate given the solemn nature of the occasion.

The reactions highlight the different ways people interpreted the Archbishop’s attempt to connect King Oyo’s sporting interests with his broader legacy.

King Oyo was known for his interest in sports and was particularly associated with Arsenal. During the funeral, Kaziimba also recalled the late monarch’s support for local sporting activities and the Uganda Cranes.

The Archbishop’s wider message, however, focused on unity and continuing the work King Oyo promoted during his reign. He urged the people of Tooro to remain united in grief and use the period to advance causes associated with the late monarch.

“In grief, unity is so key. Grief shouldn’t divide us; grief should bind us,” Kaziimba said during the burial service.

King Oyo was buried on Saturday at the Karambi Royal Tombs following a funeral service attended by thousands of mourners. He died in the United States on August 27 at the age of 34 after receiving cancer treatment.

The late monarch ascended the Tooro throne in 1995 at the age of three and became known internationally as the world’s youngest reigning monarch at the time. His death was followed by a succession dispute within the royal family, with clan elders selecting Prince Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma as his successor while members of Oyo’s family contested the decision.

Outrage as Video Appears to Show Adults Giving Alcohol to Schoolboys

A viral video appearing to show adults giving alcohol to schoolboys has triggered calls for an investigation in Kenya.

A viral video appearing to show adults giving an alcoholic drink to schoolboys in uniform has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation in Kenya.

The 25-second video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a group of schoolboys gathered in what appears to be a residential area, surrounded by several adults.

In the footage, an adult man wearing a white jersey and grey trousers appears to pass a bottle containing an alcoholic drink to one of the boys. The pupil, who is wearing a school uniform, is seen taking a drink from the bottle while several adults watch.

Another man wearing a red polo shirt is also seen nearby as the interaction takes place.

Some of the adults can be heard speaking to the children in Kiswahili. One man appears to encourage the boy to swallow the drink, while another is heard discouraging the interaction.

At another point, a man appears to warn the boys against telling others about what happened.

The footage has prompted widespread criticism online, with social media users calling for the individuals involved to be identified and investigated by Kenyan authorities.

The video was reportedly first shared on Instagram by an account identified as @eganz.a. The account has since reportedly been deleted.

Following the circulation of the footage, social media users tagged Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and National Police Service, urging authorities to establish where the incident occurred and identify those involved.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the exposure of children to alcohol and the responsibility of adults to protect minors from harmful substances.

What Kenyan law says

Kenya's Children Act, 2022, contains specific provisions protecting children from exposure to alcohol and other harmful substances.

Section 24 of the Act provides that no person shall subject a child to the use of alcohol, tobacco products, narcotics, psychotropic drugs or other substances declared harmful by the relevant authorities. A person who contravenes the provision may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of not less than KSh500,000, or both.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act also prohibits knowingly selling, supplying or providing an alcoholic drink to a person under 18. Section 28 provides for a fine of up to KSh150,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, subject to the conditions set out in the law.

The circumstances shown in the video could therefore raise child-protection and alcohol-control concerns if the footage is verified and the individuals involved are identified.

As of publication, Shemariah Media has not independently verified the location of the incident, the identities of the individuals shown, or whether Kenyan authorities have opened a formal investigation.

The video has nevertheless generated significant public concern, with many Kenyans calling for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the footage and take appropriate action if any offences are confirmed.

Tinubu Mourns Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Tinubu described Ameir’s death as a painful loss to President Samia, her children and the wider Hassan family, noting that he had stood quietly beside the Tanzanian leader for almost five decades.

In a condolence message, the Nigerian President said he understood the magnitude of the loss suffered by his Tanzanian counterpart, describing Ameir as a lifelong companion to President Samia and a beloved father to their children.

Tinubu said the late First Gentleman had remained by President Samia’s side through the various stages of her service to Tanzania.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, and on behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to President Samia, her children, the Hassan family and the people of Tanzania,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the death had come at a difficult moment for the Tanzanian leader and her family, saying the depth of their decades-long companionship made the loss particularly painful.

He also emphasised the ties between Nigeria and Tanzania, saying the bonds that unite African countries become even more important during moments of grief.

“ Nigeria mourns with Tanzania and stands with President Samia and her family in this hour of grief,” he said.

Tinubu prayed for the soul of the late Hafidh Ameir Hassan and asked Allah to grant him eternal rest while giving President Samia and her family the strength to endure the loss.

Ameir, an agricultural academic who largely maintained a low public profile, became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in 2021.

He died at the age of 71 after reportedly suffering from a heart condition. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, where he is expected to be laid to rest.

Acid Attack Survivor Recounts Ordeal After Rejecting Man’s Advances At 16

A Kenyan woman identified as Benita has spoken about the traumatic acid attack she survived as a 16-year-old after rejecting a man who wanted her to become his girlfriend.

Speaking to the BBC, Benita recalled how the man allegedly lured her away from a main road under the pretext of showing her a shortcut before confronting her about her decision to reject his advances.

According to Benita, the man had repeatedly pressured her to accept his request for a relationship, but she refused because she was not ready to date him.

She said that on the day of the attack, the man told her he had a surprise for her and persuaded her to leave the main road with him.

Benita said they eventually reached an isolated area where the man stopped and questioned her about the answer she would give him.

She recalled realising that the situation was dangerous shortly before he threw a corrosive substance at her.

“I got attacked when I was 16 years old. The guy started forcing me to accept him to officially be his girlfriend and then I said no, I am not set for that,” she said.

Benita explained that the substance initially struck the back of her head before reaching her face and eye when she turned around.

She described the moment as terrifying, saying she was overwhelmed by the pain and could not think clearly after the substance came into contact with her.

The attack left Benita with severe injuries, including significant damage to her face and eye, and changed her life permanently.

Her account highlights the devastating consequences of violence against women and girls, particularly when rejection is met with threats or retaliation.

Benita’s story has also renewed attention to the dangers faced by young women who are subjected to persistent unwanted advances and the importance of speaking out against violence and coercive behaviour in relationships.

Watch video below

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DzJ6Qwddr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

World’s Youngest Reigning Monarch King Oyo Dies at 34 After 31 Years on Tooro Throne

King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, the traditional ruler of Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom who became the world’s youngest reigning monarch after ascending the throne at just three years old, has died at the age of 34.

The Tooro Kingdom confirmed his death after Prime Minister Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire Akiiki announced that the monarch died at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while undergoing medical treatment in the United States. 

The circumstances surrounding his death have not been officially disclosed. Earlier on Thursday, reports of his death had circulated on social media before authorities confirmed that he was critically ill and receiving treatment abroad. The kingdom later formally announced his passing.

Akiiki described the death as an “immeasurable loss” to the royal family, the people of Tooro and Uganda, while appealing to the people of the kingdom to remain united, calm and prayerful during the mourning period. 

King Oyo was born on April 16, 1992, and became Omukama, or King, of Tooro on September 12, 1995, following the death of his father, King Patrick David Matthew Kaboyo Olimi III. He was only three years old at the time. 

Because of his young age, a regency was established to oversee the kingdom until he became old enough to assume full responsibilities. Among those involved in his guardianship was Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, alongside Queen Mother Best Kemigisa, Princess Elizabeth Bagaaya and Buganda’s King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II. 

Oyo formally assumed the full duties of the monarchy when he turned 18 in 2010. His unusual journey from a three-year-old child king to an adult traditional ruler made him one of Uganda’s most recognisable royal figures.

His status as the world’s youngest reigning monarch also brought him international attention from childhood. Despite being a traditional ruler rather than a political head of state, he became an important cultural figure in Uganda.

The Tooro Kingdom is one of Uganda’s historic traditional institutions. Although Uganda operates as a republic under an elected government and traditional kingdoms do not exercise constitutional political authority, they continue to play important cultural and social roles. 

During his nearly 31-year reign, King Oyo was associated with initiatives involving youth empowerment, education, environmental conservation, tourism and cultural preservation. He was also regarded as a bridge between traditional institutions and younger generations.

His death has triggered condolences from other Ugandan traditional institutions, including the Buganda Kingdom and the Busoga monarchy. Tributes have described him as a cultural leader who contributed to preserving Tooro’s heritage and promoting the interests of its people. 

The Tooro Kingdom has also moved to reassure the public that the institution will continue despite the monarch’s death.

According to Prime Minister Akiiki, King Oyo left behind a son who will serve as his heir. However, the kingdom said the identity of the prince and the details of the succession will be formally announced at the appropriate time in accordance with Tooro traditions and customs. 

“The continuity of the Crown is assured,” the kingdom stated.

The death brings an extraordinary 31-year chapter of Tooro history to an end. Oyo inherited the throne as a toddler and remained its monarch through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, making his reign one of the most unusual royal stories in modern Africa.

He was unmarried at the time of his death but had a son who is now expected to become central to the future of the Tooro royal institution.

Uganda and the people of Tooro are now mourning a monarch whose life was defined by an extraordinary beginning, becoming king at three, and an equally remarkable journey into adulthood as one of Africa’s best-known traditional rulers. 

Hichilema Wins Re-election as Zambia’s President With 60% of Votes

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been re-elected for a second five-year term after securing about 60 per cent of the vote in the country’s presidential election.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia announced Hichilema as the winner in the early hours of Tuesday, August 18, following an election that was held on August 13 and witnessed a tense vote-counting process.

Hichilema, who contested under the United Party for National Development (UPND), defeated his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile of the Patriotic Front-led Tonse Alliance, who secured about 38 per cent of the vote.

The result gives Hichilema another five-year mandate after he first came to power in 2021, when he defeated then-President Edgar Lungu and ended the Patriotic Front’s period in government.

The 2026 election, however, was not without controversy. Vote counting was temporarily suspended after election officials were attacked and ballot papers were reportedly stolen in some areas. The Electoral Commission later resumed the counting after security concerns were addressed.

The commission had also warned candidates against prematurely declaring themselves winners while the official results were still being collated.

Mundubile and his supporters raised concerns about possible irregularities in the electoral process and called for an independent investigation into some of the incidents recorded during the election. Hichilema’s camp rejected the allegations.

Despite the tensions surrounding the election, the European Union observer mission described the voting as largely peaceful while raising concerns about restrictions on freedoms and what it considered an uneven campaign environment.

Hichilema’s victory comes as Zambia continues to deal with significant economic challenges, including high living costs, electricity shortages and pressure on household incomes.

His first term was marked by efforts to restructure Zambia’s debt after the country became the first African nation to default on its sovereign debt during the COVID-19 era. His administration also worked with international lenders, including the International Monetary Fund, while promoting investment in the country’s mining sector.

The president has presented his economic record as a key reason voters should give him another term, pointing to improvements in debt management and economic stability.

However, critics have argued that the benefits of the economic reforms have not been felt equally by ordinary Zambians, particularly amid persistent concerns over the cost of living.

Hichilema now faces pressure to translate the economic reforms of his first term into stronger growth, more jobs and improved living conditions during his second term.

The president has also set ambitious targets for Zambia’s mining sector, particularly its copper industry. His administration wants to significantly increase copper production as global demand for the metal continues to rise, especially because of its importance to renewable energy, electric vehicles and other technologies.

Zambia’s mineral wealth has also made the country increasingly important to both Western and Chinese investors, with competition for access to critical minerals growing across Africa.

Hichilema’s re-election therefore gives his administration another five years to pursue its economic agenda while also addressing concerns over living costs, electricity supply, employment and political freedoms.

With the official results now announced, attention is expected to turn to the response from the opposition and whether any formal legal challenges will be filed against the election outcome.

History Made! Cameroon Crowned WAFCON Champions After Crushing Malawi 3-0

 

Cameroon have been crowned champions of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating tournament debutants Malawi 3-0 in the final at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. 

The Indomitable Lionesses produced a dominant first-half display, scoring all three goals before the break to secure their first-ever continental title.

Marie Ngah opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Naomi Eto doubled Cameroon’s advantage nine minutes later. Ngah then completed her brace in first-half stoppage time to send Cameroon into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead. 

Malawi, who were appearing in their first-ever WAFCON tournament, struggled to find a response after the break. Despite attempts to threaten the Cameroonian defence, the Lionesses maintained their advantage and preserved the clean sheet to complete a historic triumph. 

The victory ends a long wait for Cameroon, who had previously reached the WAFCON final three times but lost all three to Nigeria in 2004, 2014 and 2016. Their latest success finally delivers the trophy that had repeatedly eluded them. 

Cameroon also become only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, joining record champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa. 

For Malawi, the defeat does little to diminish what has been a remarkable campaign. The tournament debutants exceeded expectations by reaching the final and securing a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup through their historic run. 

The 2026 WAFCON, hosted in Morocco, brought together 16 of Africa’s top women’s national teams. The final brought together two sides seeking history, but it was Cameroon who ultimately delivered a commanding performance to claim the continental crown. 

For the Indomitable Lionesses, the 3-0 victory marks a new chapter in Cameroonian women’s football and ends years of near misses on the biggest stage in African women’s football.

Sowore Opposes Calls Against Tyla’s Nigeria Visit, Blames Failed African Leadership

Human rights activist and AAC presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has called on Nigerians to reject attempts to target South African singer Tyla over renewed anger surrounding xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

His remarks come amid growing opposition on social media to the singer’s proposed visit to Nigeria, with some Nigerians arguing that South African entertainers should not be welcomed while attacks against Nigerians continue in parts of South Africa.

Reacting to the controversy, Sowore said ordinary Africans should not be punished for crimes they neither committed nor encouraged.

“I will never participate in, encourage, or justify the victimization of any fellow African, or any human being, for crimes they did not commit, create, or enable,” he said.

The activist argued that Africans should direct their frustrations toward political leaders rather than innocent citizens, insisting that poor leadership across the continent remains the root cause of many of Africa’s challenges.

According to him, corruption, bad governance and economic hardship created by political leaders have fueled division among Africans, leading citizens to turn against one another instead of demanding accountability from those in power.

Sowore maintained that Tyla should be allowed to perform and conduct her career freely in Nigeria, just as Nigerian entertainers and professionals should enjoy the same freedom across Africa.

“@Tyllaaaaaaa must be allowed to ply her trade freely, just as every African artist, worker and citizen should be able to do across the continent and beyond,” he stated.

He concluded by urging Africans to unite against failed leadership instead of allowing political failures to create hostility between people of different African countries.

“The real problem is not ordinary Africans; it is the failed leadership that has fostered corruption, economic hardship and the conditions for division. Africans deserve better than leaders who create conditions that pit us against one another,” Sowore added.