Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigeria is preparing to host the 2023 edition of the West African Insurance Association (WAICA) Educational Conference, scheduled to take place from May 7 to 9, 2023, at the renowned Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos. The Local Organising Committee (LOC), led by Mrs. Bola Odukale, has begun laying the groundwork for what promises to be a transformative event for the region’s insurance industry. Odukale emphasized that insights and takeaways from this high-level gathering are expected to equip West African underwriters with the tools and strategies needed to operate effectively on a global stage. In her remarks during…

Dettol, Nigeria’s trusted name in hygiene solutions, has reaffirmed its long-standing dedication to public health by partnering with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for the 65th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference. The event, which recently took place in Katsina State, gathered medical experts, health administrators, and policy influencers under the theme: “Universal Standards of Patient Care and Healthcare Provider Well-being.” Discussions centered around improving healthcare delivery through consistent clinical standards and stronger health systems. As a key sponsor, Dettol took the opportunity to align its mission with that of Nigeria’s medical professionals—placing emphasis on the critical role of hygiene…

Prominent figures in Nigeria’s SME sector have reiterated the urgent need for government-driven support systems that empower local businesses to grow and compete on a global scale. At the recent Business Engagement Forum and Press Conference for MINE FEST 2025, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ikeja, industry leaders emphasized the transformative role of Made-in-Nigeria goods in national development. Dr. Olubunmi Kole-Dauda, founder of Naijapreneur.com, along with other key advocates such as Tito Phillips, emphasized the importance of building a robust local economy by encouraging patronage of domestically manufactured products. They maintained that such support would…

Fifty trailblazers shaping the future of Nigeria’s digital landscape were recently celebrated at an award ceremony hosted by Knowhow Media. The prestigious event, which took place in Lagos, highlighted the impact of top innovators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs in propelling the country’s digital transformation. Under the theme “Consolidating Progress – Addressing New & Emerging Challenges in Nigeria’s Digital Economy,” the gathering drew notable attendees from across government, private enterprise, and the tech sector. The initiative, organized by Knowhow Media—publishers of IT Edge News Africa—recognized the 50 Most Valuable Personalities (50MVPs) of 2025 for their significant contributions to the digital ecosystem. Delivering…

The Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) has called on the federal, state, and local governments to provide financial grants to hotel operators across the country. The appeal comes as the hospitality industry grapples with mounting debt, operational challenges, and repeated demands from revenue agencies. At a press briefing in Bauchi, NHA National President, His Highness Eze Dr. Patrick Anyanwu, emphasized the vital role hotels play in Nigeria’s economic landscape, including employment generation, tourism development, and national revenue growth. Dr. Anyanwu, reflecting on resolutions from the NHA’s recent delegates’ meeting in Lagos, stressed the urgent need for government-backed support. Many hotel owners,…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the temporary closure of the Port Harcourt Refinery for a scheduled month-long maintenance exercise, raising fresh concerns among fuel marketers over possible supply disruptions and price surges. In an official statement released on Saturday, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the shutdown will commence on May 24, 2025. According to Soneye, the move is part of a planned sustainability and performance optimization program. “The Port Harcourt Refining Company will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown starting May 24. This is a scheduled sustainability assessment to ensure long-term operational efficiency,”…

Dangote Cement Plc has clinched the “Dividend Paying Company of the Year” award at the prestigious 2025 Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards, held on May 23, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria. This year’s ceremony, themed “Capital Market as a Catalyst for Nigerian Economic Transformation,” honored companies driving economic growth through market excellence and shareholder value. Dangote Cement stood out among heavyweights, surpassing notable contenders such as Nigerian Aviation Company and Airtel Africa, for its remarkable consistency and generosity in rewarding shareholders. A History of Strong Returns Renowned for its reliable dividend payments, Dangote Cement has solidified its reputation as a top…

About 250 Nigerian business interests are poised to take part in the upcoming African Business Forum in Sochi, Russia, scheduled from October 23 to 25, 2025, the Presidency has announced. Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, shared this update in Abuja on Tuesday, highlighting the strategic importance of the forum, which will run alongside the inaugural Russia–Africa Summit. The event aims to boost Russian investments across Africa while promoting African business opportunities within Russia. According to Shehu, this forum comes at a time when major global economies are deepening ties with Africa, following…

Grey, the global banking platform empowering digital nomads and businesses with borderless financial solutions, has announced the winners of its 2025 UpGreyed Her initiative — an equity-free grant program supporting women-led businesses worldwide. This year, Grey awarded a total of $9,500 to four outstanding women entrepreneurs, marking the expansion of the program from its African roots to a truly global platform. “Financial inclusion goes beyond access to banking; it means providing the resources entrepreneurs need to scale and create lasting impact,” said Femi Aghedo, co-founder of Grey. “By taking UpGreyed Her global, we are reinforcing our commitment to building a…

Business Ventures Limited (Buvel), one of Nigeria’s leading private petroleum marketers, marked 50 years of unwavering commitment to integrity, service excellence, and customer satisfaction on Thursday. Founded in 1975 in Uromi by Prince Clement Kennedy Okoeguale, Buvel has grown steadily and now operates over 11 filling stations across Edo State, standing as a beacon of trust in the Nigerian petroleum industry. The golden jubilee celebrations were held simultaneously across all Buvel outlets and at the Founder’s residence in Benin City, drawing government officials, loyal customers, staff, community leaders, and well-wishers. The festivities included raffle draws at various filling stations, where…

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans to create a dedicated centre aimed at helping businesses align their operations with human rights standards. Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He explained that the chamber has initiated collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission to establish the centre, which will focus on promoting responsible business practices that respect human rights. “Our goal with this centre is to ensure businesses operate in a way that respects the rights of all members of society,” Jideani…

Telecommunications company IHS Nigeria, through its affiliated NGO WeForGood International, has awarded N3 million grants each to six promising startups across Africa. These funds are intended to support innovative ideas focused on sustainability. The recipients were selected from the 2nd edition of the Sustainable Solutions Africa Project (SSAP), an initiative by WeForGood International aimed at fostering youth skills development in sustainability. Out of ten finalists who pitched their ideas, six startups were chosen for funding based on the strength and impact of their proposals. At the recent grant presentation ceremony in Lagos, Temitayo Ade-Peters, CEO of WeForGood International, highlighted the…

Entourage Integrated Trust, a dynamic player in Nigeria’s microfinance space, is setting its sights on national growth, preparing to widen its operations beyond the 29 states it currently serves. The move is part of the firm’s ongoing mission to strengthen financial inclusion and empower emerging enterprises across the country. In a recent release from its Lagos headquarters, the organization announced that it will launch its expansion efforts by conducting an in-depth feasibility study in Maiduguri, Borno State. “Access to finance can transform lives and revitalize entire communities,” said Seyi Asagun, CEO of Entourage Integrated Trust. “Reaching underserved areas like Maiduguri…

Two prominent Nigerian organizations are joining forces to uplift women entrepreneurs in the beauty industry with an exclusive grant and support program. Beauty Hut Africa, in partnership with Paystack, a top-tier fintech company, is rolling out a business empowerment initiative aimed at female-owned beauty ventures across Nigeria. The program promises funding up to ₦5 million, along with access to expert mentorship, targeted workshops, and a supportive entrepreneurial network. According to the announcement shared online by Beauty Hut, this initiative is more than just financial aid—it’s a comprehensive platform to elevate women building brands in makeup, skincare, fragrances, and haircare. “We’re…

Well-known Nigerian entrepreneur, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, recently sparked conversation with a bold statement about debt, credit, and wealth. Speaking on financial strategies, he revealed that Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, also carries the title of Nigeria’s largest debtor. Maduka used the opportunity to highlight a lesser-known truth about wealth accumulation — that major financial players often operate heavily on credit. “Aliko Dangote tops the list of Nigeria’s debtors,” Maduka explained. “Yet, he remains the continent’s wealthiest man. Globally, the United States holds the highest debt, and we still regard it as the richest nation. That should tell you something about…

What began as a childhood ambition to practice law eventually evolved into a full-blown mission to transform businesses across Africa with artificial intelligence. Ayomide Odukoya, the innovative founder behind Posi Labs, never planned to end up in tech—but every pivot he made built the foundation for what would become one of the continent’s rising AI-powered sales agencies. A Creative Detour That Changed Everything Odukoya once pictured himself donning a wig and gown in a courtroom. But somewhere along the journey through university, a different passion sparked. “Photography was my escape during law school,” he reflects. “It started as a hobby,…

Seleem Adegunwa, CEO of Rite Foods Limited, has called on Nigerian students to harness the wealth of opportunities within the country’s dynamic business landscape. Speaking during a session with students at the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM), Adegunwa emphasized the importance of aligning entrepreneurial ventures with individual passion and personality. “Entrepreneurship demands commitment. Focus on ventures that suit your strengths and interests,” he advised. “Before diving in, gain real-world experience. Understand how businesses operate. That knowledge will shape your success.” Persistence Over Perfection Adegunwa noted that while young Nigerians possess the talent to thrive in any field, success…

Three young Nigerian entrepreneurs have been awarded a total of ₦5 million for their cutting-edge solutions aimed at tackling post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector. The prizes were presented at the SMEDAN Talent Hunt, an initiative spearheaded by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with Microvis Microfinance Bank and Baobab Microfinance Bank. The competition gathered young innovators from across the country, each presenting creative and practical ideas to a panel of experts and industry stakeholders. The event showcased the potential of youth-driven innovation to transform Nigeria’s food system and boost economic growth. Meet the…

Nigeria’s expanding presence in the global business scene took center stage at the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025, with the country’s delegates gearing up to represent its vibrant entrepreneurial spirit on the international stage. According to Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), Nigeria’s participation in the GEC reflects its rising influence in the global innovation ecosystem. “GEC is more than just a summit—it’s a powerful growth platform where Nigerian entrepreneurs get to engage, connect, and compete on a global scale,” Anifowose said. He made these remarks during a pre-congress brunch organized at Tripoint’s…

President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated the new board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), urging members to leverage their expertise in transforming Nigeria’s economy amid global economic uncertainties. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of looking inward for solutions as global markets remain volatile, stressing that Nigerians are counting on the NNPCL to play a pivotal role in repositioning the country’s oil and gas sector. “I carefully selected this board, and it took some time to find the calibre of individuals you represent. You embody the best in the industry. I have high…