Author: Gift Ifeanyi

The Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), set to take place in May this year, has received a significant boost as the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced plans to elevate the event to a national level. During a working visit to Enugu State, the minister revealed his commitment to personally attending the festival and expanding its reach to attract tech professionals from across the country. The initiative aligns with the broader collaboration between the state and the federal government to advance technological innovation, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship in the Southeast region. Dr. Tijani commended Governor Peter…

Nigeria’s job market is set for a significant transformation as HBG Technologies has officially launched the i-Serv App, designed to enhance job creation for artisans across the country. This innovative digital platform aims to streamline service delivery, creating new opportunities for skilled artisans in various fields. According to HBG Technologies, the app provides a solution to connect artisans with consumers, offering a reliable and professional experience for both parties. During the private launch event in Lagos, Ayodele Olawande, Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, emphasized the app’s potential for economic empowerment, particularly for the youth. He described i-Serv as more than…

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised Jumia Nigeria, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform, for its remarkable contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s e-commerce sector and its broader economic development. Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledged Jumia’s rise to prominence, noting that the company’s growth and trajectory have firmly established it as a household name within the country’s e-commerce ecosystem. He encouraged the company not only to maintain its high service standards but also to continually work on improving them. Speaking during a courtesy visit by Jumia Nigeria’s management to the State House in Marina, the governor reiterated the company’s strategic importance to the…

African banks are making remarkable strides, and the latest Brand Finance Global 500 rankings highlight the increasing strength and influence of the continent’s financial sector. In 2025, African banking brands achieved impressive growth, with an average Brand Value increase of 22%. Collectively, these brands generated $15.2 billion in new value, showcasing their growing role in driving a sustainable and inclusive economy across the continent. With an average Brand Strength score of 80.21, Africa holds the highest Brand Strength globally, which means its banking brands typically score AAA, indicating their exceptional market presence and consumer trust. This is a key indicator…

SystemSpecs Holdings Ltd is positioning itself to compete in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding e-commerce market with a strategic rebranding of one of its subsidiaries, Deelaa, which will now be known as Whatadeal. Whatadeal, a platform developed by the tech-driven company, aims to revolutionize digital commerce across the travel, events, and e-commerce sectors. This move follows SystemSpecs’ acquisition of Knit Technologies, further consolidating its industry expertise and cutting-edge innovation. John Obaro, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to technological excellence and customer empowerment. He highlighted that Whatadeal will offer a seamless, intuitive experience, providing unmatched…

UAC of Nigeria Plc has posted its best financial performance in years, recording a remarkable profit before tax of N25.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. This marks a 107% increase compared to the previous year and signifies a major milestone in the company’s transformation. The impressive result is the culmination of years of strategic restructuring following the 2018 takeover by private equity firm Themis Capital. At the time, UAC was struggling with operational inefficiencies, declining revenues, and mounting losses. Fast forward six years, and the company appears to be back on track, with several key business units…

The Nigerian Police, Lagos State Command, have formally charged Abiola Odutayo with reckless and careless driving in connection with the tragic death of Adetunji Opayele, co-founder of the Nigerian tech startup Bumpa. The incident occurred on March 4, 2025, at approximately 10:20 p.m. on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, claiming the life of the 32-year-old entrepreneur. According to the charge sheet LA/301/2025, presented before Magistrate M.E. Owumi at the Tinubu Magistrate Court, Odutayo is accused of violating Sections 50(1) and 52 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law, 2018. CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer for the…

Nigeria’s retail sector is thriving, with numerous supermarket chains rising to prominence and redefining the shopping experience. While most supermarket chains in Nigeria operate fewer than 15 outlets, the industry has seen some leading brands focus on rapid expansion, setting the stage for a diverse retail landscape catering to different consumer needs. Here are the top 10 supermarket chains in Nigeria ranked by store count: Prince Ebeano – 8 storesPrince Ebeano, established in 2009, operates eight supermarkets in Abuja and Lagos. The chain offers a mix of local and international products and gained prominence after merging De Prince Supermarkets with…

U.S. wine exports to Nigeria have reached a record high of $7.8 million in 2024, marking a 65% increase from previous years and solidifying Nigeria’s position as the top African market for American wines. JoEllen Gorg, the acting U.S. consul general, made this announcement at a trade promotion event in Lagos, which was organized by the Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Mission in collaboration with the California Wine Institute. The event brought together 18 California wineries and the Nigerian business community to foster stronger agricultural trade ties between the two nations. The wine tasting event featured over 160 award-winning…

In a move to deepen Nigeria-China relations and foster economic collaboration, the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) recently hosted a delegation from the Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association. This visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for technological cooperation. Leading the delegation was Mr. Shi Qilin, Executive Secretary-General of Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association. He was warmly received by NCSP Director-General, Mr. Joseph Tegbe. The discussions focused on scaling up Nigeria’s digital economy, infrastructure development, and fostering partnerships in science, technology, education, and cultural exchanges. Driving Innovation and Economic Growth The proposed collaboration…

In a landmark moment for Nigerian entrepreneurship, beauty, and culture, Dabota Lawson and Adeola Adeyemi, popularly known as Diiadem, showcased the power of African creativity on the global stage at the prestigious House of Lords in the United Kingdom. As key figures in The Global Rise of Nigerian Soft Power: Building Bridges Across Borders, they reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence in the beauty and creative industries. Both Lawson and Diiadem have successfully built thriving beauty brands—Dabota Cosmetics and Beauty By AD—revolutionizing industry standards and redefining African excellence. Their journey, marked by resilience and innovation, highlights how Nigerian beauty and fashion continue…

Technology experts are calling on Nigerian youths to embrace the digital revolution as a pathway to self-reliance and economic empowerment. Speaking at the Lagos Spring School in Digital Entrepreneurship and Digital Culture, industry leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs highlighted the vast opportunities technology offers young Nigerians to become job creators rather than job seekers. The event was convened by Prof. Tunde Ope-Davies, founder of the Centre for Digital Humanities at the University of Lagos and former aide to the Lagos State Governor. Discussions centered on bridging the digital skills gap, particularly among graduates in the humanities. According to Ope-Davies, launching innovative…

Lagos is positioning itself as Africa’s leading trade and investment hub, leveraging strategic policies, industrial growth, and support for small businesses to drive economic transformation. In an exclusive interview, Folasade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, discusses her vision for economic growth, investment attraction, and entrepreneurship support. A Dynamic Career in Economic Development With over two decades of experience in finance, trade, sustainability, and corporate strategy, Mrs. Ambrose-Medebem has played pivotal roles in multinational corporations such as PwC, Ford, and Guinness Nigeria PLC. Her tenure at Lafarge Africa PLC saw her leading sustainability and corporate responsibility…

The asset finance leasing sector in Nigeria holds immense potential for driving economic development, yet it remains largely untapped. Tayo Adekoya, MD/CEO of Adept Lessor Limited, a Lagos-based asset finance leasing company, sheds light on the industry’s trajectory and opportunities. An Overview of Nigeria’s Finance Leasing and Asset Management Sector The finance lease industry in Nigeria has witnessed steady growth over the years, primarily due to increased financial literacy and awareness campaigns. Industry stakeholders, including Adept Lessor Limited, have played a key role in positioning leasing as a viable alternative to traditional financing. Reports from the Equipment Leasing Association of…

…Kola Oyeneyin Unveils $1 Million Fund to Support Entrepreneurs Nigeria’s food industry holds immense potential, but to truly unlock growth and global competitiveness, experts say entrepreneurs must gain access to affordable credit, embrace innovation, and leverage technology. Speaking at the Nigeria Food Summit 2025, which brought together industry leaders, culinary innovators, and policymakers, experts emphasized the urgent need for financial support and technological advancements to drive the sector forward. “The success of any industry is deeply tied to access to capital,” said Kola Oyeneyin, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur, during his keynote address. “The Nigerian food industry is brimming with…

For the first time in history, the combined wealth of Africa’s billionaires has surpassed the $100 billion mark, driven primarily by the soaring fortunes of Nigerian business magnates. According to the latest Forbes Billionaire List released in March 2025, Africa now boasts 22 billionaires with a collective net worth of $105 billion—an increase from $82.4 billion and 20 billionaires in the previous year. Nigeria’s Billionaire Influence Grows Despite persistent economic challenges across the continent, including currency devaluation and political instability, Nigerian billionaires have maintained strong positions in the rankings, with four representatives on the list. Dangote’s Refinery Fuels Unprecedented Wealth…

In a significant move to modernize Nigeria’s financial landscape, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the Investment and Securities Act (ISA) 2024 into law. This landmark legislation, which replaces the 2007 Investment and Securities Act, aims to bolster investor confidence, enhance regulatory oversight, and position Nigeria’s capital market for sustainable growth. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in a statement on Friday, described the new law as a transformative step that reinforces investor protection, improves market transparency, and aligns Nigeria’s financial regulations with international standards. Strengthening Market Regulation and Oversight The ISA 2024 cements the SEC’s role as the apex…

Uche Uzoebo, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SANEF Limited, is a trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial landscape. With over 20 years of experience in banking and financial services, she brings a wealth of expertise in digital payments, financial inclusion, and gender advocacy. Her mission is clear: to drive economic empowerment by making financial services more accessible to all Nigerians. A Legacy of Leadership in Financial Services Before taking the helm at SANEF, Uzoebo served as the Chief, Distribution & Stakeholder Engagement Officer, playing a pivotal role in expanding digital financial services and enhancing financial literacy. Her strategic leadership…

The Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) hosted its quarterly meeting and induction ceremony at the Delborough Hotel, Lagos, bringing together business leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders. Themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities Between Nigeria and Indonesia for the 21st Century,” the event aimed to foster stronger trade and investment collaborations between the two nations. A Platform for Economic Growth NICCI President, Ishmael Balogun, described the chamber as a vital platform for fostering partnerships, shaping impactful policies, and facilitating trade. He highlighted the enormous economic potential between Nigeria and Indonesia, emphasizing the limitless opportunities available for bilateral investment and trade.…

The Nigeria Food Summit 2025 brought together top industry leaders, culinary innovators, and policymakers at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, under the theme “Making Nigeria a Global Food Destination.” This landmark event gathered renowned chefs, food scientists, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders dedicated to shaping the future of Nigeria’s food industry. The summit featured prominent personalities, including Anjola Awosika, Tolani Tayo-Osikoya (Diary of a Kitchen Lover), Hilda Baci, Ayo Bankole, and The Kitchen Amuse, who provided valuable insights into food business sustainability and cultural representation. Insightful Panel Discussions Attendees engaged in four dynamic panel sessions addressing critical industry topics: “The Past, Present,…