Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Guided by a vision of economic transformation and regional empowerment, Odua Investment Company Limited stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation in Nigeria’s business landscape. Established under the visionary leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the conglomerate has evolved from its foundational roots in real estate into a diversified powerhouse spanning hospitality, agriculture, insurance, ICT, and oil and gas. Under the leadership of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Odua Investment Company continues to strengthen its position as a driver of sustainable development across the Southwest. Ashiru’s leadership philosophy emphasizes consolidation, transparency, and smart investment — values that have redefined the company’s trajectory…

In a bold move to strengthen youth-led enterprises, Bumpa, a leading digital business management platform, has teamed up with the Bank of Industry (BoI) to empower 200 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria. The joint initiative aims to provide young entrepreneurs with six months of free access to business management tools, training, and hands-on digital support to help them scale sustainably. This partnership aligns with BoI’s broader mission to drive inclusive economic growth and support the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy. By focusing on digital adoption and business modernization, the program directly addresses the…

For years, the United Kingdom has been a dream destination for thousands of young Nigerians seeking better lives abroad. From care homes to hospitals, the UK’s Health and Care Worker visa offered a stable pathway out of Nigeria’s harsh economic climate. But that era is fading fast.With the UK set to halt new Health and Care Worker visas for foreign care workers starting July 22, 2025, a once-dependable migration route is closing — leaving many Nigerians questioning what’s next. This policy shift, part of a broader immigration clampdown designed to reduce net migration, has hit Nigeria’s youth especially hard. As…

In a major push to make taxation fairer and more inclusive, the Federal Government has approved a new tax reform framework set to take effect on January 1, 2026.The reform package introduces 50 targeted exemptions and reliefs designed to cushion the impact of rising living costs on salary earners, pensioners, and small-scale entrepreneurs. The initiative, led by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, represents one of the most extensive restructurings of Nigeria’s tax system in decades. The goal, according to the committee, is to simplify the process, eliminate multiple taxation, and boost compliance by…

Across Nigeria, formal business registration is often promoted as the key to growth, stability, and access to finance. On paper, joining the formal economy opens doors to visibility, protection, and new opportunities. Yet, in practice, millions of small and micro-entrepreneurs continue to thrive informally, far removed from government systems and official recognition. Despite continuous awareness campaigns and policy reforms, most of Nigeria’s micro and small enterprises still operate outside regulatory frameworks. Many entrepreneurs see little value in registration — not out of defiance, but due to harsh economic realities that prioritize survival over structure. According to the Moniepoint Informal Economy…

Technology will take center stage at the 2025 Annual Conference and Gala Night of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Nigeria Branch, following the appointment of T2 as the exclusive technology partner for the prestigious event. The partnership highlights the increasing influence of digital innovation in redefining arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) across Africa. Scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 12 to 14, 2025, the conference will explore the theme “Connecting the Dots: Core Principles, Innovation, and Meaningful Outcomes in ADR.” It is expected to draw leading professionals from the legal, corporate, and policy sectors to discuss…

Lagos, Nigeria — A consortium of industry experts has called for a renewed emphasis on collaboration, agile leadership, and intelligent automation as the backbone of Nigeria’s small and medium enterprise (SME) growth. At the inaugural SixthSense Leadership Roundtable, held under the banner “Thriving in the Next Decade: People, Technology, and Strategy Systems,” practitioners explored practical paths to resilience amid a rapidly changing global landscape. Leadership as the engine of scale Bright Ukwenga, principal consultant and convener of SixthSense Leadership Consulting, framed leadership as the critical multiplier in business growth. “Starting a venture may rely on a single bold mover, but…

In the dynamic world of Nigeria’s foreign exchange scene, recent developments illustrate a currency environment that’s increasingly influenced by domestic production and capital inflows. Analysts note that shifts in supply channels, policy signals, and energy-sector output are reshaping how markets price the naira across both official and informal channels. A macro view of the exchange regime Market observers point to a notable divergence between formal exchange rates and informal trading levels, reflecting different drivers on each side of the market. While the official window has shown relative steadiness, traders on parallel platforms report more volatility as demand for dollars adjusts…

In a milestone for Nigeria’s fintech and inclusion agenda, Moniepoint Inc. has introduced Africa’s first AI-powered chatbot aimed at demystifying the informal economy. The launch underscores a growing push to bring clarity and accessibility to a sector that powers a large swath of daily commerce, from street stalls to micro-enterprises. Government endorsement signals momentum The rollout received official commendation as part of a broader collaboration with the federal government to strengthen financial access for informal workers. At the Abuja unveiling of the second edition of Nigeria’s Informal Economy Report, government representatives framed the project as a practical bridge between policy…

A diverse group of Nigerian professionals and influencers took the spotlight at The Achievers Awards International (TAAI) Under 40 Entrepreneurs Awards Conference 2025 in Zanzibar, recognizing outstanding contributions across business, humanitarian work, and innovation. Theme and purpose The event embraced the theme “Innovation, Integrity, and Impact in a Changing Africa,” underscoring Africa’s rising momentum to honor achievement and cultivate the next generation of leaders. The conference celebrated entrepreneurship that blends creativity with practical impact, challenging attendees to drive positive change in their communities and industries. Notable Nigerian honorees A cross-section of Nigeria’s innovators and leaders were acknowledged, including healthcare pioneers,…

 Nigerian content creator,  popularly known as Realjjfrosh, is a 20-year-old hailing from Ode-Irele, Ondo State. After capturing attention with viral moments on TikTok, he’s pivoting toward solving structural hurdles that hinder Africa’s digital creators. From content to catalysts for changeTemitayo’s work now centers on practical solutions rather than routine posting. He’s developing concepts aimed at removing the barriers to monetization and access to essential digital tools. “Africa is brimming with digital talent, yet the ecosystem and tools available often don’t empower creators fairly,” he observed. “I’m building a space where creators can grow, monetize, and sustain their efforts without unnecessary…

Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey—from turning a modest idea into a scalable business to navigating regulatory mazes and entering new markets. Yet, a new beacon of opportunity has emerged for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Africa: the Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA). Conceived by Desola Jimmy-Eboma, founder of the Small-Scale Enterprises Lab (SSE Lab), this initiative is reshaping how aspiring business owners approach growth and sustainability. A 90-day intensive program, the MBA equips participants with practical skills, strategic insights, and the confidence needed to compete in today’s dynamic market landscape. Early cohorts have reported noteworthy outcomes, including increased sales…

Entrepreneur and socialite Obi Iyiebu, better known as Obi Cubana, has challenged African business owners to rethink how they scale ventures, arguing that collaboration trumps solitary control. In a clip that circulated widely online over the weekend, Cubana contrasts the continent’s approach with that of Western markets. He says many African founders cling to full ownership, whereas international peers frequently form alliances that multiply impact and ease execution of large-scale initiatives. Cubana asserts that the insistence on “I must own everything” acts as a barrier to growth, limiting the ability to undertake complex projects that require joint effort. He notes…

In a move aimed at providing tangible relief to small-scale operators, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who serves as Nigeria’s Minister of Power, handed out a total of N100 million in business grants to traders, artisans, and farmers across Oyo State on Friday. Adelabu, who is seeking the 2027 governorship nomination under the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the initiative as the centerpiece of his “2025 Mega Empowerment and Economic Relief Program Series.” He stressed that the grants are designed to ease the hardship faced by everyday Nigerians and to spark economic activity at the grassroots. “Empowerment is about giving back to…

Dr. Obinna Ejiogu’s trajectory reads like a masterclass in perseverance. After carving out a successful path in Nigeria’s financial sector, he pursued a PhD at the University of Suffolk. Today, as he celebrates the milestone of seeing his first cohort of Master’s students graduate just as he completed his doctoral studies, he speaks with evident pride about the ripple effects of mentorship and lifelong learning. What emotion did you feel watching your Master’s students graduate a year after your own PhD journey? The graduation moment was a vivid reminder that education is a shared voyage. My own PhD pursuit demanded…

In a candid briefing at Abuja’s 2025 Journalists Academy, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosed a sobering figure: hundreds of billions of naira have vanished into fraudulent investment outfits and Ponzi schemes in recent years. The latest estimate places total losses at about ₦300.2 billion, underscoring the scale of danger facing everyday Nigerians who seek modest returns on their savings. AbdulRasheed Dan-Abu, the SEC’s Head of Fintech and Innovation, explained that investigators traced the setback to a string of infamous, now-collapsed ventures that lured households and small investors nationwide. Among the most notable collapses cited were schemes like MMM…

At the forefront of Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and innovation, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is championing a transformative approach to higher education—shaping graduates not just with degrees, but with entrepreneurial mindsets capable of driving national growth. Prof. Olufemi Olayemi, the convener and lead speaker at a recent seminar, who holds the Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jnr.) Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies, articulated a compelling definition of an entrepreneurial mindset. “It is a cognitive orientation that enables individuals to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and persist through challenges to create value,” he explained. He emphasized that cultivating such a mindset…

In a compelling convergence of art, enterprise, and finance, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc Chairman, Mr. Umaru Kwairanga, articulated a powerful vision at the closing gong ceremony of Lagos Fashion Week—one that underscores the shared purpose of the capital market and the creative economy: transforming ideas into enduring value. Held at NGX Limited in Lagos last Friday, the event drew a distinguished crowd, including Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, American superstar Ms. Ciara Wilson, Lagos Fashion Week chairman Mr. Tokunbo Akerele, and NGX Group CEO Mr. Temi Popoola. Their presence underscored the event’s significance as a platform for…

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s sustainability journey, three innovative startups have been named winners of the National Phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) at a prestigious awards ceremony held in Lagos. The event marked the successful conclusion of the programme’s third cohort, highlighting Nigeria’s growing leadership in clean technology innovation. The winners—Allgreen Ivy Limited, One Grid Energies, and Rekool Access Technology—each received cash prizes totaling $32,500 for their pioneering efforts in addressing climate and environmental challenges through technology. Allgreen Ivy Limited emerged as the national champion, securing $10,000 in funding. The startup was also recognized as the…

In a heartfelt gesture reaffirming his dedication to women and youth empowerment, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South has donated ₦100,000 to each of 203 women entrepreneurs in Sokoto State. The generous initiative was unveiled during The YHK Vibrant Fair, a lively trade exhibition championed by women entrepreneurs at the K7 Mall in Sokoto. The fair was a vibrant showcase of women-led small businesses, featuring locally produced fashion items, delicious food products, crafts, and beauty accessories. It highlighted the growing influence of women in Sokoto’s entrepreneurial landscape and their vital role in the region’s economic development. Organized by Yasmin Hassan-Kangiwa,…