Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a powerful show of support for homegrown talent and Nigerian-made fashion, BetKing, a leading digital sports betting brand, played a pivotal role as a key sponsor of the 2020 Aba Fashion Week—bringing significant benefits to local entrepreneurs. The event, which ran from December 7 to 11, 2020, was a celebration of fashion innovation and creative enterprise, packed with standout activities like the Street Fashion Show, Ankara Carnival, and Fashion Masterclasses, all culminating in an electrifying Runway Showcase. According to Ruby Chuku, BetKing’s Head of Products, the company’s involvement was more than just sponsorship—it was a strategic commitment to fueling…

In a country where financial constraints often block access to growth opportunities, BOSSA Academy is changing the narrative for thousands of Nigerians. Since its inception in 2020, this innovative online learning platform—an initiative of Betteroffservice Advertising Agency—has delivered over ₦100 million worth of free internet data, practical digital skills training, industry-recognized certifications, and career opportunities to more than 7,000 individuals across Nigeria. What started as a modest mentorship program focused on digital marketing for small business owners has blossomed into a vital resource for students, entrepreneurs, and professionals striving to succeed in Nigeria’s fast-changing digital economy. The spark for BOSSA…

Olajumoke Familoni, professor of entrepreneurship and president of ICLED Business School, Lekki-Lagos, has revealed that Nigeria’s economic development can receive a significant boost through the mechanisation of the traditional adire fabric production process—a project currently championed by her institution. Speaking on Saturday, May 24, during a doctorate degree conferment ceremony held in collaboration with the University of America, Curacao, Netherlands, and California, USA, Familoni emphasized the transformative potential of this initiative. “We’re collaborating with the Alake of Egbaland on an innovative project to mechanise the adire production process. This venture is set to create a major impact on Nigeria’s creative…

Seyi Vodi, the celebrated Nigerian shoemaker and fashion entrepreneur, is no stranger to hosting notable personalities in his shop. From famous musicians like 2Baba to influential public figures, his store has welcomed many visitors. But when the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, showed up unexpectedly, it was a moment that caught many by surprise—including me. I had to pinch myself, wondering, Is this really the VP? For every Nigerian who cares deeply about the nation’s growth, witnessing Vice President Shettima’s visit to Vodi’s shop was historic. In many countries, it’s common for top leaders—be it the US President or…

Dr. Dennis Zulu, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Nigeria, has highlighted skill mismatch as a significant factor behind the country’s growing unemployment rates. Speaking at the launch of the Vision to Fruition symposium series organized by the Network of Social Entrepreneurs (NOSE), Dr. Zulu emphasized that many multinational companies hesitate to hire Nigerian applicants because they lack the skills demanded by today’s job market. According to Dr. Zulu, the current school curriculum no longer aligns with the needs of 21st-century employers, creating a gap between education and employment opportunities. He also pointed out that a…

Rep. Abdussamad Dasuki, the representative for Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, has launched a significant empowerment drive aimed at uplifting youth entrepreneurship and enhancing agricultural productivity across his constituency. In the first phase of the initiative, 150 young small and medium enterprise (SME) owners each received ₦300,000 cash grants to grow and sustain their businesses. The event marking this milestone also saw the inauguration of a special committee responsible for managing the upcoming distribution of 900 livestock and farm tools to local farmers. The distribution will be overseen by Dasuki’s Senior Legislative Assistants—Hon. Attahiru Danmadi and Hon. Adamu Haruna—who…

Dangote Industries Limited has been honored as the “Most Admired African Brand” at the 15th annual Brand Africa 100 awards, held recently at Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Founded by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian conglomerate earned this top accolade through a consumer-driven survey spanning over 30 African countries. The recognition underscores Dangote Group’s wide-reaching influence and strong reputation across the continent. In a historic milestone, Dangote Industries was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the very first African-owned company to receive this prestigious distinction. Adding to the celebration, Aliko Dangote himself received a…

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to expanding gemstone and jewellery-making centres nationwide as part of its drive to boost entrepreneurship in the mining sector and advance local value addition policies. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement during a recent visit to the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja, praising the institution for its leading role in training jewellery and gemstone artisans. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of products, noting that they rival the best in the international market. “From raw materials like gold, sapphire, and other gemstones, this centre is now producing finished…

In a bold stride towards empowering the nation’s youth and promoting economic equity, the All Progressives Congress (APC), through its Youth Wing, is rolling out a dynamic new initiative known as the Enterprise-Skills Development Training (EDET) Programme. This five-day intensive boot camp is geared toward equipping over a thousand aspiring young business owners with the practical knowledge and strategic insight needed to launch, expand, and innovate within Nigeria’s diverse economic sectors. The event is set to feature high-profile personalities, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, adding weight to the programme’s credibility. Dr. Dayo Israel, APC’s National…

Layal Jade Tinubu has extended over ₦70 million in funding to 20 women-led businesses through the latest installment of the Be Empowered programme—a transformative initiative launched in collaboration with the Noella Foundation. Held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Lagos, the one-day summit welcomed more than 150 attendees and focused on bolstering women’s roles in the entrepreneurial space. The event was the climax of the second edition of the programme, which attracted a nationwide response of over 2,500 applicants. From this large pool, 200 entrepreneurs were selected to participate in the summit. Five of them had the opportunity to present…

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has taken a significant step toward strengthening local industries with the inauguration of a new training and laboratory centre in Kano, aimed at equipping Northern entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools to meet international quality benchmarks. Mr. Faruk Salim, Director-General of SON, announced the development during the official commissioning of the facility. He reiterated SON’s commitment to improving the quality of Nigerian products to enhance their competitiveness in global markets. According to Salim, the training hub is designed to expose business owners to modern practices in product standardisation, ensuring their goods meet global acceptance…

Omonike Fowowe, a dynamic Nigerian entrepreneur known for her innovative ventures and transformative leadership, is now setting her sights on a new horizon—public service. As she celebrates her birthday, not only does she mark another year of personal and professional achievement, but she also embraces the possibility of stepping into the political arena. Fowowe’s journey is a story of grit, passion, and relentless ambition. On the morning of her birthday, she took a moment to reflect on the extraordinary path that brought her here. Once a budding entrepreneur, she has grown into one of the most prominent Nigerian business figures…

At the 2022 Annual Business Luncheon of the Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA), thought leaders and capital market stakeholders gathered to address one of the biggest hurdles facing Nigeria’s economy—limited access to funding for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Delivering the keynote address, Temi Popoola, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), emphasized that technological innovation holds the key to bridging the financing gap that has long hindered SMEs from reaching their full potential as drivers of economic growth. Speaking on the event’s theme, “Capital Market, Startup Financing and Syndicate Funding: Ability of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises to Access…

The parent company of Nigerian logistics platform Kwik, Africa Delivery Technologies Holding based in the Netherlands, has been officially declared bankrupt by an Amsterdam court. The court’s decision, however, does not disrupt Kwik’s core operations in Nigeria, where the company continues to thrive, recently raising $1 million to fuel its growth and serving a robust network of over 300,000 merchants. The bankruptcy case was triggered by a legal battle with Adam Grant, a former sales executive at Kwik, who filed a lawsuit over alleged wrongful dismissal and unpaid earnings. Although a Dutch court initially awarded Grant $120,000 in unpaid wages,…

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc has unveiled a bold five-year growth agenda aimed at propelling its turnover beyond ₦300 billion, as the company seeks to solidify its market dominance and expand into new sectors. This ambitious projection was announced during NAHCO’s recent Annual General Meeting, where the board highlighted the company’s steady rise as Nigeria’s leading aviation ground handling service provider. The leadership emphasized that the implementation of a robust strategic blueprint would be key to unlocking significant growth opportunities in the years ahead. As part of its 2024 financial performance, shareholders approved a cash dividend payout of…

In a major push to boost intra-African trade and support Nigerian exporters, the Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria-East/Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor in partnership with Uganda Airlines and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The corridor, launched on Africa Day at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, is designed to significantly reduce logistics costs and accelerate regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Announcing the launch, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a transformative step for Nigerian exporters, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The corridor will connect…

Nigeria is preparing to commission two significant lithium processing facilities within 2025, signaling a strategic move away from raw mineral exports toward local value creation, the country’s Mining Minister, Dele Alake, announced on Sunday. The first of these plants—a $600 million lithium processing factory—is located near the Kaduna-Niger border and is expected to be operational by the end of this quarter. Meanwhile, a second facility, a $200 million lithium refinery near Abuja, is in the final stages of completion. In addition, two more processing plants are planned for Nasarawa state, adjacent to the capital, with commissioning expected before the third…

The European Union (EU) has launched an investigation into the widespread circulation of counterfeit goods entering West Africa, with Nigerian seaports flagged as critical transit points in this illicit trade that extends to international markets. According to the 2025 EU Report on the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in Third Countries, Nigeria ranks among the “Priority 3 countries” facing major challenges in enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights. The report singles out Nigerian seaports as major hubs for the importation and re-exportation of counterfeit products including pharmaceuticals, electronics, and fashion items. This raises serious concerns about consumer safety, public…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revealed that Nigerian companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) declared a total of N1.1 trillion in dividends to shareholders during 2024, with N1 trillion already paid out, signaling growing investor confidence and rewarding market returns. Dr. Emomotimi Agama, SEC’s Director-General, shared these highlights in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the robust performance of Nigeria’s capital markets over the past year. Capital Market Issuances and Investor Confidence From January to December 2024, the SEC approved new issuances valued at N3.68 trillion, comprising: N59.82 billion in fixed income securities N3.62 trillion in equities This…

The Ebonyi State government has called on investors in the mining sector to strictly adhere to established business guidelines while ensuring the protection of host community rights. Governor Francis Nwifuru made the appeal during a one-day conference held in Abakaliki themed “Solid Minerals Ebonyi: The Government and the People.” Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Business Development, Oguzor Offia-Nwali, the governor emphasized the importance of investors stepping up their social responsibilities. “Solid minerals remain a key driver for sustainable development. We are committed to harnessing our abundant mineral resources in ways that bring blessings rather than curses to…