Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a bold initiative to strengthen leadership among Nigeria’s youth, the Guardians of the Nation International (GOTNI) has entered a strategic partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to establish leadership development centres nationwide. The move, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to equip young Nigerians with the ethical foundation and leadership skills needed to navigate and transform a nation facing numerous socio-economic challenges. The announcement was made in Abuja by GOTNI Founder, Dr. Linus Okorie, during the official presentation of Miss Remarkable Akpan as the organisation’s new Executive Director. Dr. Okorie stressed the importance of cultivating…

In a bold response to Nigeria’s growing mental health crisis, two leading wellness organizations are launching REJUVENATE 2025 — a national wellbeing and mental health conference and roadshow set to take place from June 25 to July 19 across key locations in the country. Organized by the Recharge Life Centre and Whole Women Community, both accredited institutions recognized by international and national counseling bodies, the initiative is designed to promote emotional resilience and psychological healing — particularly among women and youth, two of the country’s most vulnerable demographics. With economic hardship and social stressors fueling emotional instability, the program seeks…

The highly anticipated third season of The Journey, Anzisha’s acclaimed YouTube documentary series, is set to spotlight 30 of Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs—offering an unfiltered look into the passion, persistence, and innovation driving small businesses across the continent. Aged between 15 and 22, these young visionaries hail from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Ghana, Uganda, Benin, Zambia, Madagascar, DR Congo, and Senegal. Their ventures span diverse industries—from agriculture and logistics to tech, food processing, and personal care—highlighting the next generation of African enterprise. This season, culminating in a high-stakes pitch competition in Johannesburg, will award $40,000 in prizes to the most…

At just 19, Nigerian-born Ifeoluwa Afolayan has claimed first prize at WE Innovate 2025, the prestigious women-led venture competition hosted by Imperial College London. A Master’s student of Design Engineering at Imperial College and the Royal College of Arts, Ifeoluwa stood out for her pioneering work in sustainable agriculture. Her winning venture, Aeropod (by Muju Earth), is a smart soil-enrichment capsule designed to respond to heavy rainfall by aerating and revitalizing the soil—offering a climate-proof alternative to conventional, intensive farming methods. The project earned her team a €15,000 grant to advance their mission of revolutionizing farming through innovation. Ifeoluwa, together…

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s foremost industrialist, is stepping down as Chairman of Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, bringing to a close a 20-year era of leadership and strategic growth. His retirement will take effect on June 16, 2025, according to an official statement released by the company and signed by its secretary, Temitope Hassan. Since assuming leadership in 2005, Dangote has been instrumental in transforming the company into a powerhouse in Nigeria’s sugar industry. His tenure was marked by strategic expansion, robust corporate governance, and the launch of critical Backward Integration Projects in Adamawa, Taraba, and Nasarawa States—a move that significantly boosted…

Nelly Agbogu’s journey from a thriving corporate career in oil & gas and FMCG to becoming one of Africa’s most influential SME champions began with something personal—a mother’s love. “My son had to go gluten-free, and nothing on the market worked. So I started baking in my kitchen,” Nelly recalls. What began as a quest to meet her son’s dietary needs quickly evolved into Come Again Foods (formerly Nellies Nigeria), a food innovation company producing healthy, locally sourced snacks like Ugu chips, Tapiokies, and Almond chin-chin. But Nelly didn’t stop at solving her problem—she built a brand that now empowers…

In every life and business, there’s a breaking point—a moment when the weight of challenges feels impossible to carry. Tyler Perry’s Straw powerfully captures this in the story of Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson), a struggling single mother driven to a desperate act that holds a city hostage. While fictional, her story deeply resonates with the realities of Nigeria’s volatile business environment, serving as a striking playbook for navigating pressure, crisis, and survival. When Crisis Demands Visibility Janiyah’s journey begins in obscurity. Her pain goes unnoticed—until she finds her voice. By telling her story, first quietly, then publicly, she becomes impossible…

A growing number of small businesses in the U.S. are embracing artificial intelligence as a vital part of their operations, with more than half actively exploring AI-powered tools, according to a recent survey by Reimagine Main Street and Public Private Strategies Institute in collaboration with PayPal. The findings reveal a major shift in the mindset of entrepreneurs, as nearly 25% of small enterprises with annual revenues ranging from $25,000 to $5 million have already incorporated AI into their daily workflows. “AI is no longer a distant concept for small business owners—it’s becoming a practical reality,” said Tammy Halevy, Executive Director…

At the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria has emerged as a leading voice calling for swift global action to safeguard the oceans and unlock the full potential of the blue economy. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized that the time for bold, collective action to protect marine biodiversity is now. Speaking to a gathering of over 120 nations under the conference theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean”, Oyetola urged world leaders to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement…

As global demand for cleaner energy intensifies, Shell is accelerating its expansion in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector with a target to add 12 million tons of new capacity by the end of the decade. This growth strategy includes major developments in Nigeria, Qatar, Canada, and the UAE. Cederic Cremers, President of Integrated Gas at Shell, confirmed the initiative during a global energy conference in London, emphasizing the company’s long-term focus on securing a diversified, sustainable LNG supply chain. Shell, already the world’s leading LNG trader, delivered 65 million tons to more than 30 countries last year alone. In…

A transformative celebration of cultural fusion and economic partnership is set to take place from June 12 to 17, 2025, as St. Kitts and Nevis hosts the rescheduled AFRI-Caribbean Exchange. Under the powerful theme “Two Nations, One Rhythm: Bridging Cultures, Building Futures,” the event underscores an innovative alliance between the Caribbean island nation and Nigeria. Born from two recently signed agreements in agriculture and the creative economy, the Exchange marks a major step in strengthening Afro-Caribbean relations. Although travel disruptions previously delayed the event, organizers have reaffirmed their commitment, unveiling an even more dynamic program that blends tradition, enterprise, and…

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to deliver a nationwide address on June 12, 2025, as part of the official commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day. The broadcast, set for 7 a.m., is expected to outline the administration’s strategic direction for the next two years and unveil key policy decisions. Among the anticipated announcements is the granting of state pardons to selected individuals, signaling what may be a broader push for national reconciliation and reform. This year’s celebration marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria. However, the traditional Democracy Day parade — which typically features symbolic acts such as the…

Nigeria’s efforts to secure a record-breaking $5 billion oil-backed loan from Saudi oil giant Aramco are stalling, as falling crude prices raise concerns among potential banking partners. The unprecedented deal—poised to become Nigeria’s largest of its kind and a first for Aramco in the country—now faces significant uncertainty. Sources reveal that initial discussions began in November 2024, when President Bola Tinubu met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the Saudi-African Summit. However, plummeting oil prices—down nearly 20% from January’s $82 per barrel to around $65—have cast doubt on the feasibility of the deal, making it harder for Nigeria to…

Salpha Energy, a Nigerian clean energy startup, has raised $1.3 million in funding from Shell-backed impact investor All On, a major boost to its mission of delivering reliable solar power to underserved African communities. Founded by Sandra Chukwudozie, Salpha Energy stands out as the only female-led solar home system assembly firm in sub-Saharan Africa. The investment will help the company scale its operations, diversify its product range, and strengthen its local manufacturing capacity. Salpha’s solar systems—ranging from 150-watt to 100-kilowatt packages, complete with battery storage and smart inverters—have already brought clean energy to over two million people, driving affordability and…

Nigeria has launched a revolutionary digital free zone, Itana, in Lagos State’s Alaro City—redefining what a special economic zone can be in the age of innovation. Moving away from the traditional focus on manufacturing, Itana centers on technology, services, and cross-border digital entrepreneurship. Designed to streamline business operations for startups and tech firms, Itana allows global entrepreneurs to incorporate companies remotely for $2,000 and renew annually for $1,150. Its infrastructure includes 24/7 power, fiber-optic internet, co-living spaces, and startup campuses—all aimed at nurturing productivity and global scalability from within Nigeria. More than just a physical zone, Itana is a policy-driven…

In Nigeria, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the foundation of the economy—accounting for over 96% of businesses and employing more than 60 million people. Yet, a staggering 80% of these businesses shut down within five years, revealing a troubling disconnect between entrepreneurial ambition and the realities of Nigeria’s business environment. The challenges go far beyond failed business ideas. Most MSMEs are strangled by systemic problems: unreliable infrastructure, costly diesel consumption, unstable internet, and roads in disrepair. Financing remains scarce, and when available, it often comes with prohibitive interest rates and terms. Many small business owners also lack structured…

After establishing dominance in Africa’s smartphone market, Chinese tech powerhouse Transsion is steering into new territory—electric mobility. Best known for household names like Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, the Shenzhen-based firm is now making waves with its TankVolt electric bikes and tricycles across five African nations. Launched in Uganda in 2023, TankVolt has since expanded into Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, quickly rising to become one of the top three EV brands by volume on the continent. Its rapid ascent is powered by a strategy familiar from its phone playbook: deep local knowledge, affordable pricing, and strategic partnerships. “Our bikes and…

Faced with academic uncertainty and limited employment opportunities, a growing number of young Nigerians are embracing entrepreneurship over traditional education pathways. For many undergraduates, starting a business is no longer a fallback plan — it’s a deliberate move toward financial freedom, hands-on learning, and early market relevance. With reduced barriers to entry and access to digital tools, student-led startups are becoming a powerful force in Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape. Here are seven major reasons behind the rise of student entrepreneurship — and how it’s reshaping the future of education. 1. Disrupted Academic Schedules Frequent strikes, unstable academic calendars, and bureaucratic…

Weeks after vanishing with vast sums of investor funds, the infamous Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) — a fraudulent digital finance platform — has resumed activity across Nigeria, raising fresh concerns about renewed deception. The platform, widely exposed as a Ponzi scheme, halted operations abruptly in April after luring thousands of Nigerians with promises to double their investments in 40 days. The sudden shutdown left many unable to access their accounts or retrieve their funds, leading to widespread outrage and a chaotic attack on the company’s Ibadan office. Now, CBEX is back online and contacting former investors, urging them to revisit…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has stated that tourism not only holds substantial economic value but also plays a vital role in stimulating local entrepreneurship and empowering communities. He made this known on Wednesday during the 68th United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa meeting held in Abuja. The high-level event, co-hosted by the Nigerian government and the UN Tourism body, gathered key stakeholders from across the continent to chart new strategies for leveraging tourism as a driver of sustainable development. Opening the session on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, Shettima called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to…