Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In a dynamic display of cultural exchange, music innovation, and creative empowerment, EventsbridgeAFRIC successfully hosted SHowbiz101—a week-long initiative aimed at educating, connecting, and uplifting Africa’s creative industry. Held in Lagos, the event attracted global music stars, producers, and industry executives from Africa, Europe, North America, and beyond. Organized by bridgeAFRIC, the event had a strong focus on collaboration, talent development, and market access for African creatives. The series kicked off with a workshop at Alliance Française, hosted by renowned actress Juliet Ibrahim and Nigerian comedian Phronesis. Key Workshop Sessions: Show vs Business: Industry experts unpacked the business side of music,…

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is reshaping the narrative of Enugu State through an ambitious transformation agenda that is positioning the state as a top-tier destination for business tourism, investment, and infrastructural excellence. From the onset of his administration, Mbah promised a new era for Enugu—one that would scale its economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion within eight years. Now, less than two years into office, bold strides are already painting that vision into reality. Tourism and Aviation at the Heart of Enugu’s Growth One of the most ambitious moves yet is the launch of Enugu Air, a state-owned airline…

Renowned diplomat and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has been celebrated once again for his exceptional contributions to global diplomacy, peacebuilding, and international relations. The prestigious honour was conferred on him at the 2025 African Public Relations Network (AFRPN) Annual Conference and Lecture, held at the Rotunda Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. A gathering of industry leaders, public relations professionals, and top policymakers, the AFRPN event served as a platform to reflect on the power of communication in governance and diplomacy—values that Prof. Gambari has embodied throughout his illustrious career. A Lifetime of Diplomatic Excellence With…

As part of activities lined up for Lagos State University’s (LASU) 28th convocation ceremony, the Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, is set to deliver a keynote lecture on the theme “Patriots, Citizenship and National Ownership: The Imperative of Collective Responsibility for Nigeria’s Future.” The lecture will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, and is expected to stir national dialogue on how citizens can play a more active role in shaping Nigeria’s future. A Vision of Collective Patriotism Alausa is expected to explore themes around national identity, patriotism, civic responsibility,…

For 80 years, Wema Bank has stood as a shining example of resilience, innovation, and indigenous pride in Nigeria’s financial landscape. What began in 1945 as Agbonmagbe Bank, a humble two-room operation founded by Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, has transformed into Nigeria’s oldest surviving indigenous bank and one of its most technologically advanced institutions. With Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola now leading as the first female Chairman, Wema’s journey is a powerful tale of visionary leadership, digital evolution, and national relevance. 1945–1969: Indigenous Banking is Born Wema’s origins are rooted in the determination of Chief Matthew Adekoya Okupe, a nationalist and…

…Hosts Landmark Trade Expo in Lagos India has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening economic and bilateral relations with Nigeria, as it hosted the maiden edition of the India Trade Expo 2025 in Lagos. Speaking during a panel session at the event, India’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Vartika Rawat, emphasized the vast potential for collaboration between both nations. She highlighted the need to explore new avenues in trade and economic partnerships, noting the significant presence of Indian-origin businesses in Nigeria as a promising sign. “There are over 200 Indian-origin companies operating successfully in Nigeria — a testament to the immense…

…Unveils dealership opportunities across the country Flamingo Car Care Tech Limited, a renowned global manufacturer of automotive care products, has officially expanded its operations to Nigeria. The move is set to deliver top-tier car maintenance solutions to Nigerian vehicle owners, mechanics, and automotive businesses. Having built a solid presence across North America, Europe, and Asia through cutting-edge research and development, Flamingo brings its trusted line of high-performance products to meet the growing demand for quality car care in Nigeria. In a statement issued to The PUNCH, the company emphasized its commitment to supporting the country’s automotive sector with innovative solutions…

…Discover the sectors ripe for fast market entry and long-term success E-commerce in Nigeria is expanding rapidly, yet it still holds massive untapped potential. As a business model that connects buyers and sellers through digital platforms, it offers unmatched convenience—allowing consumers to shop for a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes. This digital revolution has created one of the most exciting market opportunities in Africa. According to Go-Globe.com, Nigeria’s e-commerce market was valued at $8.53 billion in 2023, with projections estimating a growth to $14.92 billion by 2029—a staggering 74.91% increase at a compound annual growth…

In a world grappling with increasing global tensions, St. Kitts and Nevis and Nigeria are stepping up to foster stronger economic and diplomatic ties—this time through a strategic partnership in agribusiness and food security. At the heart of this collaboration was the inaugural Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit (ACIS 25), held in Abuja, Nigeria, in late March. A 12-member delegation from St. Kitts and Nevis attended the three-day summit, which aimed to ignite fresh cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean. Topping the agenda: food security, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable economic growth. Despite their geographical separation, both nations face similar climate-related challenges that…

Mike Adenuga, the Chairman of Globacom, stands as a monumental figure in the world of business. As he celebrates his 72nd birthday on April 29, 2025, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and visionary leadership. A Legacy of Business Acumen Mike Adenuga’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his exceptional skills in business management, Adenuga has made significant strides across several sectors, including telecommunications, oil and gas, aviation, construction, banking, and real estate. As the founder of Globacom, he revolutionized the telecommunications landscape in…

In a move aimed at enhancing youth employment and national development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed extending the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme from its current one-year duration to two years. This extension is designed to include an expanded Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which will equip Corps members with the practical skills necessary for job creation and contributing to the nation’s growth. Government’s Proposal for Growth and Skill Development During a courtesy visit to Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, the Honourable Minister for Education, in Abuja, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of NYSC, announced the…

The African Digital Economy & Inclusivity Conference (AFDEIC 2025) is set to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, in August. The event will bring together government officials, policymakers, business leaders, tech innovators, academics, and development partners to delve into Africa’s growing digital economy, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in promoting inclusive growth. Themed “AI and Africa’s Digital Economy: Leaving No One Behind,” the conference will address critical issues such as financial inclusion, digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption, data governance, and cybersecurity. The discussions will also explore strategies to bridge Africa’s digital divide, strengthen fintech ecosystems,…

Chinese e-commerce giant Temu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DHL Group to strengthen its operations in Nigeria and other key global markets. The move is a strategic step toward enhancing Temu’s logistics capabilities and expanding its footprint in one of Africa’s fastest-growing e-commerce sectors. Temu, which launched in Nigeria in 2024, has entered a competitive space currently dominated by local players like Jumia and Konga, as well as global names like Aliexpress. With Nigeria’s e-commerce market projected to grow from $8.53 billion in 2024 to $14.92 billion by 2029, Temu is seeking to stand out through faster…

In a bold move to increase its global footprint, Dangote Refinery has ramped up exports to Asia, capitalizing on the region’s rising demand for refined petroleum products. This expansion comes amid a challenging domestic environment, highlighting the refinery’s resilience and growing influence in the global energy sector. Asia: A Key Growth Market According to shipping data from analytics firm Kpler, Asia has emerged as the top destination for Dangote’s fuel oil exports in 2024. The refinery has focused particularly on Singapore, a global oil trading hub, which recently received a new shipment comprising 85,000 metric tons of low-sulfur straight-run fuel…

In a major move to capture the hearts of Nigeria’s young and tech-savvy population, realme—the world’s fastest-growing smartphone brand—has officially launched in Nigeria. With a global record of reaching 200 million unit shipments by 2024 and ranking among the Top 5 brands in 17 international markets, realme is now setting its sights on Africa’s largest economy. A Brand on a Global and African Rise According to Canalys, realme posted a stunning 89% sales growth in Africa in 2024, securing its place as the fastest-growing mobile phone brand on the continent. Now, with Nigeria as a key market, the company is…

In a major effort to chart a new course for Nigeria’s economy, top business leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and traditional rulers will converge in Kano for the ‘For the Love of the Country’ Conference on May 29, 2025. Themed “Reimagining Nigeria’s Economy for a Prosperous Future: Where We Were, Where We Are, and Where We Should Be in the Next Decade,” the event promises to be a landmark gathering focused on driving sustainable national growth. A Strategic Choice: Why Kano? Following previous successful editions in Abuja and Lagos, the decision to host this year’s conference in Kano is both symbolic…

In a bold move to uplift small-scale businesses and improve local livelihoods, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has disbursed a N50 million grant to support 500 petty traders in Eket Local Government Area. This empowerment initiative aligns with the state’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on economic development and inclusive growth. Speaking at the commissioning of a 5,000-capacity Conference Hall in Eket, the governor—represented by Frank Archibong, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs—revealed that each beneficiary would receive N100,000 to boost their trade. “This initiative is a practical demonstration of the Arise Agenda in action at the grassroots.…

In a groundbreaking initiative to drive sustainable innovation across West Africa, TRANSFORM West Africa—an impact accelerator spearheaded by Unilever, the UK Government, and EY—has awarded a total of £500,000 in grant funding to five enterprises championing circular economy and regenerative agriculture solutions. At a celebratory event hosted by the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, the five grantees were officially announced, with three Nigerian startups earning spots on the coveted list. These enterprises will also receive business advisory support, mentorship, practical resources, and access to global networks through Unilever and EY to scale their innovations. Meet the Nigerian Changemakers The…

Orume Oghenejode, founder and CEO of Essence by RJ, has expressed concerns over how Nigeria’s volatile foreign exchange rates are crippling the fragrance and skincare industry, especially businesses that rely on imported components. Speaking during the Bi-monthly PR Tea Party organized by Hustle Africa in Ikeja, Lagos, Oghenejode shared the struggles her business has faced due to the rising costs of importing raw materials, particularly for fragrance products. “As much as we try to use local resources, there are interconnected dependencies on imported materials. The high exchange rate affected our growth, especially in the first two years,” she said. Despite…

In Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech space, Dr. Mohammed Olatunji, also known as Dr. MO, is carving a bold new path. At just 35 years old, he holds the record as Nigeria’s youngest Chairman and CEO of a bank, leading the charge at Moremonee, a digital-first microfinance institution making waves across the country. Launched in 2023, Moremonee has swiftly gained recognition for its innovative solutions and customer-centric services—earning Dr. MO the prestigious 2025 Legit Business Names Award for his exceptional leadership and the company’s meteoric growth. “The road to success is rarely a straight line. Stay focused, trust God, and create…