Africa Here and NOW

A new documentary asks those INVOLVED for ANSWERS to Nigeria's June 12th 1993 Election Question that Won't Go Away.In 1993, Nigeria held what many still call the freest election in its history. MOSHOOD KASHIMAWO OLAWALE ABIOLA — MKO — won it. Everyone accepted the result. Then the military annulled it, locked him up, and five years later he died in detention, collapsing during a meeting with a US delegation on the very day his release was expected. The cause of his death has never been settled.Filmmaker OSE OYAMENDAN spent years and more than a hundred hours of footage tracking down nearly everyone still alive who was in the room or near it — including GENERAL IBRAHIM BABANGIDA, who annulled the election, and GENERAL ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR, who was head of state when ABIOLA died. His documentary MKO had its world premiere at Sheffield DocFest 2026. He sits down with me to trace how a national election became a global mystery — and why, thirty years on, it still shapes Nigeria.In this conversation: what the record actually establishes about June 12 and the annulment; the family's final visit to a man who looked grey and unwell; BABANGIDA'S own account of why he cancelled the result; the rivalry between ABIOLA and OBASANJO; the testimony of ABIOLA's guard, THEODORE ZADOK, pulled away for forty minutes before the collapse; the tea, the cup, and why OSE is careful not to call it poison; the death of SANI ABACHA a month earlier and the connection some see between them; and what the annulment did to Nigerian democracy — including why OSE's own mother stopped voting.OSE is clear throughout that he draws no verdict on how Abiola died; the film lays out the accounts and leaves the conclusion to the viewer. Africa Here and Now follows the same line — the contested claims here belong to the film and its participants.MKO (2026) — a film by Ose Oyamendan. World Premiere, International Competition, Sheffield DocFest 2026.00:00 "we'll say it's in the tea"00:18 Getting Pickering to talk: lawyers, access, and the making of MKO01:35 Who killed Abiola? Why Ose leaves the verdict to the viewer01:57 June 12, 1993: the win everyone accepted, then detention02:22 The last days — the family's final visit, and a man gone grey03:31 The morning of the meeting: awake, singing, "excited"04:00 Building the chronology: reporting a story with various claims05:15 Babangida: the charm, the corner he boxed himself into06:34 Why he annulled it — "I don't want to die"07:03 The Abacha problem Babangida never dealt with08:41 Was Abiola too trusting? Naïve, or facing something new?10:46 The Renaissance man: the richest man who declared himself president11:13 Ose's first encounter with Abiola13:00 Obasanjo, rivalry, and "Abiola is not the Messiah"16:34 Abubakar takes over — why release everyone but him?18:22 Theodore Zadok: the guard pulled away for 40 minutes19:00 Inside the 28-minute tape: the cup, the discomfort, the collapse20:41 Was it the tea? Why the poisoning theory doesn't hold21:34 In defence of Susan Rice21:55 Abacha's death a month earlier — the apple, the connection22:55 Who benefits? Oil, the army, and the political class23:52 The mandate he would not renounce — and the Kofi Annan letter25:07 The stolen democracy: why Ose's mother stopped voting26:23 June 12 as symbol: the one man who won every part of Nigeria27:18 Has Nigeria recovered? Weak centre, strong regions, a military system29:19 Mandela's warning: no strong Nigeria, no strong continentKey figuresMKO Abiola — businessman and publisher, winner of the annulled 1993 election, died in detention 1998. Ibrahim Babangida — military president who annulled the result. Sani Abacha — seized power in late 1993, died June 1998. Abdulsalami Abubakar — head of state at the time of Abiola's death. Thomas Pickering — US Under Secretary of State, led the delegation at the final meeting. Susan Rice — then Assistant Secretary of State for Africa. Theodore Zadok — Abiola's security guard

Ten African teams. The most ever at a World Cup. So why aren't the people who actually know the game convinced?Former Premier League striker and Nigerian Super Eagle, EFAN EKOKU and ex-DRC international ,GABRIEL ZAKUAN join me to break down Africa's prospects at the 2026 World Cup — from DRC's first appearance in 52 years, to why Nigeria keeps missing out, to the tiny island nation that recruited their squad on LinkedIn.This is an Africa Here & Now Special. We examine the prospects of South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, DRC, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and Senegal in the tournament. And we nod in the direction of the diaspora: Haiti, Brazil and Curacao.🎧 Subscribe for more: https://youtube.com/@AfricaHereAndNOWPodcastCHAPTERS 00:00 Africa's best-ever chance? 03:36 Who goes far? — Efan & Gabriel's picks 04:34 Cape Verde, recruited on LinkedIn 05:06 The hurdles: visas, Ebola, and DRC's quarantine 08:26 DRC's historic return after 52 years 10:35 What's wrong with Nigeria's Super Eagles? 12:20 1974 and the ghost of Zaire 14:58 Group-by-group breakdown 33:27 Is the French team really African? 53:46 Ones to watch 56:25 Final predictions Find out about the 1993 Tragedy in which ZAMBIA'S ENTIRE National Football Squad died. They were considered the country's best ever team; many say Zambian football has never recovered. https://youtu.be/1N70VyekfTo?si=p1O6H2zGHfTF-O8l

Sculptor SOKARI DOUGLAS CAMP focuses on the 1786 TIGNON LAW in Spanish-colonial Louisiana, that effectively tried to OUTLAW BLACK WOMEN'S HAIR. THE TIGNON LAW ordered women of colour — including the roughly one thousand free black women of New Orleans — to cover their heads. It was designed to DEMEAN and to STRIP these increasingly powerful women of their STATUS. It BACKFIRED spectacularly. The women turned the MANDATED HEADWRAP into something dazzling: towering, brocade-like turbans that would have made onlookers do a double take even in the twenty-first century. So GLAMOROUS were they that they swept the ATLANTIC WORLD as the most fashionable item of the age — with even WHITE WOMEN imitating them.I go to London's October Gallery to see SOKARI DOUGLAS CAMP's new collection inspired by this history. The acclaimed British-Nigerian sculptor — who describes herself as a welder first and foremost — works in steel, rendering the creases and folds of calico, the lace of a headwrap and the tartan of a shawl in metal, studded with coins to speak to the transatlantic trade and how black bodies were "claimed" by money. Drawing on an Italian print that first captivated her, Sokari reflects on her KALABARI roots, four decades of life in England, and the layered strands of blackness — African, Caribbean, English — that now run through her work. With more than forty solo shows behind her, she explains why insisting on visibility, and educating "our colonizers," still matters. I get a quick reaction from veteran MP, DIANE ABBOTT, about the show.Exhibition: Sokari Douglas Camp's new collection FASHION and FORTUNE at the October Gallery, London🎧 Available on all major audio platforms🌍 Website: www.africahereandnow.com𝕏 Host: @MartineDennis👉 Please like, subscribe and share, and let us know what you think.Original music by Enrick Adam. Camera and edit by Ali Rafi.00:00 Cold open: taming the black woman backfired00:37 1786 — the law that tried to police black hair01:15 Why force women of colour to cover their hair?02:44 The Tignon Law and the power of free black women03:51 How the women aggrandized the headscarf04:11 Coins, feathers and the language of the work04:58 The print that started it all05:41 Flipping the script: white women imitating them06:03 Rendering fabric in steel07:21 Kalabari roots in the studio08:40 A landmark show at the October Gallery: DIANE ABBOTT, MP08:40 Forty solo shows and what this collection signifies09:41 Facing the diaspora: the strands of blackness09:57 "Our colonizers need education"10:46 Welder first and foremost

I sit down with Wale Babalakin, the entrepreneur behind Nigeria's first privately operated airport terminal — MMA2, the domestic terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Eighteen years after opening, MMA2 remains one of Africa's most significant examples of successful private airport concession — and the story of how it was built is as remarkable as the terminal itself.Wale tells me how his company entered the bid as a reserve bidder, was eventually invited back after the original winner failed to satisfy government, and then took on the extraordinary challenge of redesigning and rebuilding the terminal from scratch — all within the original three-year schedule. Inspired by a visit to South Africa's newly completed domestic terminal, he rejected the government's original design, won ministerial approval for a bolder vision, and delivered on time.Now, with Nigeria's aviation sector growing rapidly and a more investor-friendly policy environment in place, Wale Babalakin reflects on what it takes to build private infrastructure in Africa, why airports require long-term capital, and what role pension funds could play in unlocking the next wave of investment. Key Quotes:"The best description we could get from the public was: these guys are crazy. Why are they putting their own money into public infrastructure?""You must design an airport so that traffic flows and congestion is avoided — because you are expecting heavy traffic.""You can't build an airport with three-year money or four-year money. It's not possible.""We don't need money from government. We don't need support from government other than policy-free implementation.""I believe this is the only way for any economy."Tags / KeywordsNigeria airport MMA2 Lagos Murtala Muhammed Airport private airport Africa Nigeria aviation airport concession Nigeria West Africa aviation Lagos airport terminal Nigeria infrastructure investment public private partnership Africa PPP Nigeria airport privatisation Africa Nigeria economic development Wale Babalakin Africa Here and Now Africa Nigeria business African aviation boom airport design Africa Nigeria aviation sector build operate transfer Africa airport investment Nigeria domestic terminal Nigeria Africa infrastructure Nigerian economy Kema Chikwe aviation series Africa airport capacity Nigeria long-term investment Africa pension fund infrastructure AfricaChapters00:00 — Introduction00:24 — How the MMA2 concession was won01:44 — Was it built from scratch?02:38 — Scrapping the original design — the South Africa visit03:02 — What kind of terminal did you want to build?03:39 — Is this model replicable across Nigeria?04:31 — Is the investment environment improving?05:29 — What makes a successful airport terminal?06:25 — Passenger and cargo volumes at MMA207:15 — The passenger experience — retail, catering, dwell time09:03 — When did MMA2 become a valuable asset?10:25 — The case for long-term capital and pension funds10:48 — Is private airport development the way forward for Nigeria?11:16 — Election risk — can these gains be protected?12:19 — What does the future look like? Subscribe to Africa Here and Now for the latest from across the continent — politics, business, culture, and the stories shaping Africa's future.#NigeriaAviation #AfricaHereAndNow #MMA2Lagos #PrivateAirportAfrica #NigeriaInfrastructure #WestAfricaAviation #AfricaBusiness #NigeriaEconomy

Air Peace CEO ALLEN ONYEMA breaks down the BRUTAL REALITIES of building West Africa’s largest ai in an actively hostile business environment. Originally driven by a philanthropic mission to solve massive UNEMPLOYMENT in southeast Nigeria, Onyema details how his NAIVETY about the "1,000 jobs per Boeing 737" myth threw him into a ruthless aviation sector.Beyond the economics, Mr Onyema exposes the systemic challenges of operating in Nigeria, from regulatory hurdles to cutthroat INTERNAL SABOTAGE. In a STRIKING REVELATION, the man who built an aviation empire opens up about his own profound FEAR OF FLYING—a paradox that underscores the sheer willpower required to maintain his $100M+ vision. He tells me about the true cost of aviation job creation, how to navigate hostile emerging markets, and the psychology of leading an industry you are fundamentally afraid of.01.28 His quest was to Create Jobs: "I was Naive"02.17 The Paradox: An Airline CEO Terrified of Flying06.41. No Business Plan, Just God on his Side07.23 Financial Discipline is Key08.22 99% of Hurdles are Man-Made09.52 The Real Cost of Safety 11.05. Sabotage: An Inside Job 12:45 Surviving Nigeria's Hostile Business Environment15.23 Finance: No Banks, Your Own Money17.00. A Good Deal With Emirates18.36. The Gulf Crisis - an Opportunity for Africa20.54 What's Up With South Africa?23.33. Why He Prays to the President 25.00. From Ignorance to ExpertiseKEYWORDS:Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, Allen Onyema interview, Martine Dennis, Nigerian aviation, African airlines, Boeing 737, Doing business in Nigeria, hostile business environment, aviation industry challenges, fear of flying, airline CEO fear of flying, corporate sabotage Africa, business strategy in emerging markets ;How Air Peace started, Allen Onyema net worth business, challenges of starting an airline, aviation economics explained, job creation in Africa.

Guest: Adefunke Adeyemi, Secretary General of African Civil Aviation CommissionIn this episode, we have a super conversation with lawyer and aviation expert, Adefunke Adeyemi, to discuss open skies in Africa's aviation industry.She outlines signifiicant progress made on the continent towards full implementation of the ambitious Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Adefunke also reveals how she views flying: it's not just about getting from point A to point B, it is integral to life. We meet on the sidelines of Nigeria's inaugural Aviation Aquisition and Investment Summit, and Adefunke tells the audience about her twin passions: the law and aviation. As a long time aviation player, Adefunke is upbeat about where Nigeria is today and is optimistic that the recent improvements will not be easily upended if a new administration comes to power in next year's elections.I ask how she has risen to senior positions in aviation - which is very much a male-dominated sector - and she outlines the strategy of the "7 Cs."Character, Courage, Confidence, Competence,Capital, Commitment and Charisma. 🌟 The 7 Cs for Women in Leadership - by Adefunke AdeyemiFunke has devised a strategy over her 25-year career that breaks down the essential attributes every woman needs to lead effectively, especially in male-dominated sectors:CHARACTER: Your integrity and values. It’s what keeps you in the room once your competence gets you there.COURAGE: The bravery to challenge the status quo and push through the "infamous" delays in policy implementation.CONFIDENCE: Owning your space and silencing the inner critic.COMPETENCE: The technical "price of entry." You must be a subject matter expert to command respect. CAPITAL: Not about money, this is social capital. How do you present to the world? Who do people say you are? The ability to build strategic networksCOMMITMENT: As women we need to battle through what can be quite challenging physical times - we still need to show up.CHARISMA: That magnetic quality that inspires others to follow your lead and join your mission. The ability to articulate a vision and tell a story that moves people to action.🌍 Discussion HighlightsThe African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC): Understanding its role as a specialized agency of the African Union.Agenda 2063: Why connecting Africa via air is a top priority for the continent’s future.The Yamoussoukro Decision: Navigating the binding agreement that connects 44 (and counting) African states.The Pace of Progress: Why 38 countries have now committed to "accelerated implementation" and what that means for travelers and businesses.🔑 Key Takeaway"It's about more than just aviation; it's about the leadership required to unite 55 nations under one sky."📱 Connect & FollowSubscribe for more interviews with global leaders.Comment below: Which of the 7 Cs are you working on this year?Learn more about SAATM: [Link to AFCAC/AU Resources]#WomenInLeadership #FunkeAdeyemi #Aviation #7Cs #Charisma #AfricanUnion #SAATM #LeadershipDevelopment

Why Dangote Refinery Won't Lower Jet Fuel Prices: Festus Keyamo on Airfares & SubsidiesIs the era of cheap air travel in Africa over? With Jet A1 fuel prices skyrocketing by 70% to 80%, Nigerian airlines and passengers are feeling the immediate impact on ticket prices. In this exclusive AHAN Special Aviation Series interview, I sit down with Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to ask the question on everyone’s mind: Can the new Dangote Refinery insulate Nigeria from global fuel shocks?Minister Keyamo delivers a hard truth on the realities of global pricing, definitively ruling out a return to aviation fuel subsidies. Calling subsidies a "retrogressive" trap, he explains why Nigeria must stick to its new non-subsidy economic model—and hints at other "interventions" the government is exploring to save the aviation sector.In this interview, we cover:[00:00] The "Double Tragedy" of African Aviation: High costs and poor connectivity.[01:15] The Jet A1 Crisis: Why aviation fuel has spiked by 80% and its impact on ticket prices.[02:09] The Dangote Question: Can local refining actually lower fuel costs for local airlines?[02:40] Global Pricing vs. Local Production: Why selling below market value is a subsidy.[03:32] "Subsidies are Retrogressive": Keyamo’s firm stance on why the government cannot take a step back into the subsidy trap.💡 Key Quote: "I think it would be retrogressive to take a step back and begin to think of subsidies again... my fear is that you take one step back, you take two steps back, and before you know it you’re back to full-blown subsidy!" – Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo.Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell for more exclusive insights into Africa’s aviation and economic policies!#Aviation #FestusKeyamo #DangoteRefinery #NigeriaEconomy #JetA1 #AfricanAviationFestus Keyamo interview, Aviation Minister Nigeria, Dangote refinery aviation fuel, Jet A1 fuel price Nigeria, Nigeria airfare increase, fuel subsidy removal Nigeria, Martine Dennis interview, African aviation connectivity, Nigeria economy 2026, aviation fuel crisis Africa, AHAN Special Aviation Series, local airlines Nigeria intervention, Nigerian government aviation policy.Dangote refinery update, Nigeria aviation news, cost of flight tickets in Nigeria, Jet A1 pricing, economic reforms in Nigeria, Tinubu administration policies, travel in Africa.

Africa's Aviation Future: Insights from Henok Teffera ShawlExplore the promising growth and ongoing challenges within Africa's aviation sector through an in-depth interview with Henok T. Shawl, a seasoned expert in international relations and aviation, currently supporting Boeing's efforts on the continent. Discover how infrastructure, policy, and training are shaping the future of African aviation.Main Topics Covered:The role of Boeing and other stakeholders in developing African aviation infrastructure and capacityOpportunities from Africa's demographic growth, intra-African trade, and policy initiativesChallenges posed by high operating costs, fuel prices, and governance issuesThe potential of low-cost carriers (LCCs) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to transform the sectorThe importance of regulatory cooperation and regional integrations like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM)Training and developing local aviation professionals for exponential growthKey Insights:Africa's airline industry has shown resilience despite disruptions, with a projected addition of 1,200 new aircraft over the next 20 years.The continent’s passenger numbers are growing faster than other regions, driven by urbanization, a rising middle class, and policy initiatives like free trade agreements.Infrastructure investments—including the new $12 billion Bole International Airport expansion in Ethiopia—are critical for accommodating growth.The high cost of fuel in Africa remains a significant barrier but is coupled with efforts towards developing sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).Effective governance and professional management are vital; Ethiopian Airlines exemplifies a successful model.Collaboration among governments, the African Union, and industry players is accelerating policy harmonisation and regional market opening.Timestamps: 00:00 - The significance of establishing Boeing’s Africa office in Addis Ababa 07:00 - The prospects and headwinds facing African airlines today 09:00 - The role of Boeing and industry groups in supporting policy implementation (SATA, SAATM) 11:00 - Infrastructure investments in airports across Africa as growth enablers 13:00 - Governance and professionalism as keys to airline success 15:00 - Projected demand for 1,700 new aircraft in Africa over 20 years 17:00 - The importance of intra-African trade and low-cost carriers in the continent’s aviation landscape 20:00 - Training African professionals: Boeing’s initiatives and regional workforce development 23:00 - The rise of low-cost carriers and infrastructure strategies for affordable travel 25:00 - Fuel costs and the shift towards sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in Africa 29:00 - Policy gaps and the need for accelerated government action to unlock Africa’s aviation potential 32:00 - Boeing’s role in growing the aviation ecosystem and supporting local manufacturing 33:00 - Final thoughts on collaboration, professional management, and future opportunities