DESPITE GRUESOME ECONOMIC CHALLENGES, NIGERIA IS STILL MARCHING ON
WELCOME TO MARCH!
Welcome to the March edition of our magazine! In this issue, we delve into Nigeria’s resilience and determination as it navigates severe economic challenges. Despite the hardships, the spirit of progress and hope remains unbroken.
The Good News
This edition is packed with so many positive stories; the most outstanding, however, is that the Nigerian economy has shown some signs of recovery since the turn of this year. For instance, there has been a gradual but noticeable improvement in the prices of some staple food items. We are also reaping the benefits of a competitive market in the downstream oil sector with the cost of petroleum products gradually decreasing, even if some may argue it is not worth celebrating. Additionally, the Naira has appreciated reasonably in recent weeks.
A significant highlight is the growth in the services sector, which has been a major driver of economic expansion. Furthermore, the adjustment of the naira’s exchange rate has contributed to a more stable financial environment. However, high inflation and rising public debt remain critical issues that need to be addressed.
All that we can pray and hope for as a nation is this positive trajectory.
The February Trailblazers
February 2025 has once again witnessed Nigerians from diverse fields of human endeavour soaring to greater heights. The good news is endless.
Amanda Azubuike, a woman of Nigerian descent, was promoted to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. Abayomi Whint, a Nigerian-American, was sworn in as a Judge in New York. Our sensational Tems won the Best African Music Performance at the 2025 Grammy Awards. Saheed Azeez, a UNILAG undergraduate student, developed YarnGPT, an AI that speaks in a Nigerian accent. Seni Saraki, son of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, also won a Grammy Award for his contribution to the “One Love” (Bob Marley) soundtrack.
Yemi Mobolade, another Nigerian-born American, became the 42nd Mayor of Colorado Springs, the first immigrant in the city’s history to achieve this feat. Hephzibah Akinwale, a 13-year-old Nigerian, became the youngest Guinness World Record holder for the longest novel written by a child. Another 8-year-old Nigerian boy, Kamsiyochuwku Anusi, became the sixth youngest author in the world.
Dr. Deji Ayoade made history as the first African immigrant to serve as a nuclear missile operator in the U.S. Air Force. Ayra Starr made history at the 2025 MOBO Awards held in Newcastle as the first woman in 16 years to claim the Best African Music Act award.
Nigerian content creator AnChi Vibes has won TikTok Africa’s Creator of the Year Award for her exceptional creativity, engaging content, and significant impact.
Zuriel Oduwole, a 22-year-old Nigerian Peace advocate renowned for her work in peace, education, and gender equality, has been honoured with a nomination for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.
It has been a fabulous February for Nigerians indeed!
Things Are Getting Better!
From the home front in February, The Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN) unveiled new Nigerian-made Peugeot vehicles, including the 3008, 5008, Landtrek pickup, and the 508 model, to boost the domestic auto industry.
In this edition, we also bring you a special feature on the ancient city of Kano, exploring how and why the city has remained the most fascinating and bustling commercial hub not only in Nigeria but in the entire Savanna region of Africa.
Our Celebrity Buzz category features some intriguing and juicy stories you might have missed in the past few weeks. As always, we also celebrate our top celebrities whose birthdays fall in the month of March.
This edition, as usual, is brimming with many other scintillating and inspiring stories you will surely enjoy.
Final Note
This edition is put together to remind us of the resilience and determination that define Nigeria, that, despite the economic challenges, the positive strides in various sectors and the remarkable achievements of Nigerians both at home and abroad are testaments to the nation’s enduring spirit and a pointer of great expectations.
Let us, therefore, continue to march forward with hope and optimism, believing in a brighter future for all.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Until next time, stay inspired and keep pushing the boundaries of possibility.
