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Maliyo Games Champions African Gaming Talent as Global Recognition Grows

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Maliyo Games, a trailblazing Pan-African game development studio, is strengthening its role as a cultural and creative powerhouse by championing African talent on the global stage.

With editorial recognition from Apple and a feature in Google Play’s #WeArePlay campaign, Maliyo is amplifying its mission to tell authentic African stories through games while building the continent’s next generation of creators.

Apple is set to spotlight Maliyo titles including Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter— each inspired by African traditions, music, art, and everyday experiences. This follows Maliyo’s inclusion in Google Play’s global #WeArePlay film series, which chronicles the journey of founder Hugo Obi and showcases how the studio is shaping the future of Africa’s gaming industry.

“Our recognition from Apple and Google validates our vision of placing African creativity on the world map,” said Hugo Obi, Founder of Maliyo Games. “At the heart of our success is the talent pipeline we’re nurturing across Africa — we’re building for today while inspiring tomorrow’s innovators.”

That talent pipeline is GameUp Africa, Maliyo’s flagship training program for aspiring developers. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has empowered over 6,000 young talents across more than 20 African countries with skills in programming, design, and audio engineering. Now in its fifth year, the 2025 edition of GameUp Africa has just begun, welcoming a fresh wave of creators eager to define the future of African games.

Looking ahead, Maliyo is preparing to host MaliyoCON 2025 in December, its first-ever developer-led gaming conference in Lagos. The event will bring together creators, investors, and policymakers to explore Africa’s gaming opportunities, celebrate homegrown talent, and chart a course for global impact. This latest chapter in Maliyo’s story builds on a growing legacy of recognition and partnerships, from Apple’s Africa Day App Store Feature to high-profile collaborations such as the Disney-backed Iwájú: Rising Chef.

Since its inception in Lagos in 2012, Maliyo Games has developed over 40 culturally inspired titles while cultivating talent through GameUp Africa. With creativity rooted in African experiences, the studio continues to position itself as a cultural ambassador through gaming, committed to producing fun, accessible titles that resonate with players worldwide.


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General News

EFCC Detains Ayeni, Ex-Skye Bank Chairman over Alleged N36.5Bn, $30m Fraud

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Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.

EFCC Detains Ayeni, Ex-Skye Bank Chairman over Alleged N36.5Bn, $30m Fraud

Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,

This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.

He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.

Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.

Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.

About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.

The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.


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Summit Factory Opens in Ogun, Targets Hygiene Market Expansion

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L-r: Sadiq Ali, General Manager, Summit Household Solutions Limited; Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, Onikotun of Otun, Ota; Hon. Wasiu Adewale Lawal (FCA), Executive Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota LGA; Mr Kehinde Akintomide, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Ogun State; and Mojeed Maaradesa, Manufacturing Manager, during the commissioning of the ultra-modern factory by Summit Household Solutions Limited in Ota on Thursday.
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Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale production of home and personal care products in Nigeria.

The plant, which started operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes.

Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment.

He noted that the state hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms and described the development as consistent with ongoing efforts to promote industrialisation, attract investment and reduce reliance on imports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative.

Akintomide disclosed that the factory has already employed more than 50 Nigerians, with projections to exceed 250 jobs as operations expand.

In his remarks, the General Manager of the company, Mr Sadiq Ali, said the facility represents a major step in Summit’s growth plans, adding that its flagship brand, 2Sure, currently leads production at the plant.

He also revealed that the company is preparing to introduce new home and personal care products later this year.

Summit Household Solutions manufactures the 2Sure brand and has expanded into the personal care segment with Lewar, a premium beauty soap line positioned for quality and affordability.

Among dignitaries present were the Onikotun of Otun, Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, representing the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Agba Akin of Ota, Chief Dada Olusola; Director of Investment, Ms Yemisi Folarin; Director of Industrial Promotion, Mr Femi Adeboye; former Managing Director of 7Up Bottling Company, Mr Ziad Maalouf; and the Chief Executive Officer of OmniRetail, Mr Deepanker Rustagi.

Speaking at the event, Maalouf, who conceived the 2Sure brand during his time at 7Up Bottling Company, expressed satisfaction with its growth and commended Summit Solutions Limited for advancing the brand.

The special guests were conducted around the facility, and the programme was concluded with a luncheon.

 


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US Freezes $344m in Crypto Linked to Iran in Major Crackdown

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The administration of Donald Trump has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, marking a sharp escalation in financial pressure on Tehran.

US Freezes $344m in Crypto Linked to Iran in Major Crackdown

The move comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire in the region.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that authorities are sanctioning multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran. “We will follow the money that Tehran is desperately attempting to move outside of the country and target all financial lifelines tied to the regime,” he said.

Tether, which facilitated the transactions, said it worked with U.S. authorities to freeze the funds across two wallet addresses after receiving intelligence linked to unlawful activity.

A U.S. official said blockchain analysis revealed “material links” to the Iranian regime, including transactions routed through intermediary addresses connected to wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran.

Responding to the development, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the company does not tolerate illicit use of its stablecoin. “USD₮ is not a safe haven for illegal activity. When there is credible linkage to sanctioned entities or criminal networks, we act immediately,” he stated.

The crackdown underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned states on digital assets to bypass traditional banking restrictions. Data from Chainalysis shows Iran’s cryptocurrency holdings reached $7.8 billion in 2025, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly controlling about half.

Analysts say while the freeze is significant, Iran has historically adapted to sanctions. Daniel Tannebaum of the Atlantic Council noted that targeting third-party actors enabling such transactions may be key to increasing pressure.


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