Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigeria’s export sector recorded a solid performance in the first quarter of 2025, reaching ₦20.598 trillion, reflecting a 2.92% increase from ₦20.01 trillion in Q4 2024 and a 7.42% rise year-on-year from ₦19.17 trillion in Q1 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Key Export Trends Crude petroleum remained the country’s top export, generating ₦12.96 trillion, which accounted for 62.89% of total exports. Natural gas followed at ₦1.93 trillion, while other petroleum gases added ₦1.78 trillion. Nigeria’s export relationships with India, Italy, and the Netherlands remained strong, reaffirming the strategic importance of these markets. Top 10 Export Destinations…

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigeria’s political elites to actively support homegrown businesses, stressing that such enterprises are vital to the nation’s economic progress and job creation. Obi made the statement via a post on X following his recent experience aboard Air Peace’s Lagos–London flight. Commending the airline for its professionalism, consistency, and competence, he emphasized the need for deliberate support and protection of indigenous companies operating in challenging economic conditions. “I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerian elites and political leaders to give strong and deliberate support to…

In a bold move to strengthen food security and drive economic growth, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, a subsidiary of the Dangote Industries Limited, has launched a nationwide agricultural empowerment programme that has already trained over one million farmers across Nigeria. This comprehensive initiative is part of the company’s larger commitment to supporting small-scale agriculture, enhancing productivity, and creating employment opportunities. The training program, which incorporates field demonstrations, soil sampling, and modern fertiliser application techniques, is designed to equip farmers with the practical knowledge and tools they need to increase crop yields and adopt sustainable farming practices. Speaking at the 2025 Nasarawa…

A United Kingdom-based railway infrastructure engineer, Bosun Odunlami, has called on the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, to engage Nigerian railway professionals in the diaspora to transform the nation’s rail sector. Speaking on Monday, Odunlami emphasized the wealth of Nigerian talent contributing to the advancement of London’s transport system and highlighted the potential for similar achievements back home—if the right framework is put in place. Odunlami, a key member of the Balfour Beatty Rails project team working on the Metronet/BCV rail reconstruction on London’s Victoria and Central Lines, revealed that a significant number of…

Former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has made a clarion call for greater civic engagement among Nigerians, particularly youth and Christians, emphasizing that active participation in politics is vital to shaping the country’s leadership and societal development. Speaking at the 2nd Annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held at The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos, Osinbajo used his keynote address to challenge apathy toward politics. Themed “The Evolving Relationship Between the Church and the Government in Nigeria,” the event brought together thought leaders, clergy, policymakers, and aspiring young change-makers to examine the dynamic role of faith in governance. “Politics…

A recent internal memo from Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture has stirred nationwide debate after urging staff to engage in prayer and fasting to support the country’s battle for food security. The directive, which encouraged employees to observe a solemn prayer session and fast over three consecutive Mondays, has drawn sharp reactions from citizens already grappling with soaring food prices. While the ministry has since clarified that the initiative is not a formal policy response to the food crisis, it has done little to ease public concern. In a statement released over the weekend, officials emphasized that the prayer call was…

In celebration of Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day, Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to the country’s economic progress and the enduring spirit of its people. The company’s managing director and CEO, Seleem Adegunwa, emphasized the importance of recognizing national milestones and the role of businesses in sustaining democratic and economic development. “As a proudly Nigerian company, we believe in celebrating the wins of our country, and Democracy Day is one of them,” Adegunwa said, underscoring the company’s alignment with the values of resilience, innovation, and national pride. According to him, Rite Foods remains committed to not only delivering quality…

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…