Author: Gift Ifeanyi

In an era where employability depends as much on practical skill as on academic brilliance, the University of Benin (UNIBEN) is charting a bold new course. Determined to redefine what it means to be “university-trained,” the institution has unveiled a Vocational and Technical Training Programme (VTTP) designed to merge classroom learning with real-world expertise. At the heart of this transformation lies its flagship project — the “Fundamentals of Automobile Service and Periodic Maintenance Training Programme.” Far more than a course, it’s a visionary step toward transforming UNIBEN into a national hub for technical innovation, employability, and entrepreneurial empowerment. From Theory…

In a country where inflation continues to stretch the wallets of consumers and small businesses struggle to stay visible, Glovo is quietly engineering a digital revolution. The global tech-powered delivery platform isn’t just bringing food to Nigerian doorsteps — it’s rebuilding how commerce happens, one local store at a time. At the heart of this transformation lies the Glovo Academy, a learning and development initiative that’s reshaping the DNA of entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Through in-person workshops, digital learning tools, and financial literacy programmes, Glovo is equipping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to think, act, and scale like 21st-century businesses. “Every…

In an era when borders are blurring and digital trade is redrawing the map of opportunity, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, is calling for a new kind of revolution — one powered not by politics, but by small businesses. At the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Sensitization Workshop held at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, Ojukwu challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to “see beyond local markets” and claim their place in West Africa’s growing economic frontier. “Regional integration is not a theory,” she said passionately. “It is about people, jobs, and prosperity. It’s about transforming promises…

At just 30, Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, the Oxford-trained Chief Executive Officer of Konga Group, has carved his name among the architects of Africa’s digital future.This week, his trailblazing journey received global validation as he earned two prestigious international honours — the Forbes Best of Africa E-Commerce Leadership Award 2025 and the EuroKnowledge Distinguished Award for Emerging Leadership in Digital Transformation, presented at the House of Lords, London. In a hall graced by world leaders, innovators, and policymakers, Ekeh stood not merely as a recipient but as a symbol of Africa’s technological awakening — a generation daring to transform the continent…

In a historic move for Africa’s environmental future, Nigeria has passed a sweeping new wildlife protection law that could redefine the continent’s fight against illegal trade in endangered species.The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, approved by the Senate on Tuesday, introduces some of the continent’s toughest penalties yet — including fines of up to ₦12 million ($8,200) and prison sentences of up to 10 years for anyone found guilty of trading ivory, pangolin scales, or other protected wildlife. A Turning Point in the Global Trafficking Battle For years, Nigeria has been identified as a key transit hub in the…

In a world where oil once defined Nigeria’s wealth, a new kind of export is emerging — one woven not from crude, but from culture. At the centre of this renaissance stands Nkiru Achukwu, the visionary founder of Zephans & Co, whose work is reshaping how Nigerian craftsmanship is seen — and sold — on the global stage. Her label is not merely a fashion house. It is a movement of artistry, economy, and identity — converting local skill into global currency and rewriting the blueprint for Africa’s creative power. Beyond Runways: Building a Post-Oil Economy with Style Through Zephans…

In a time when Nigeria’s economy is hungry for transformation, Michael Udofia, the Chief Executive Officer of Fens Group, stands out as a man who turned humble beginnings into a powerful blueprint for agricultural and industrial growth. This week, Udofia’s trailblazing journey received international acclaim as he was honoured with the 2025 Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA) by the Nigeria Agribusiness & Agro-Industry Development Initiative (NAADI), under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The recognition, presented at the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference (Uyo 2025) in Akwa Ibom State, celebrated his exceptional role in reshaping Nigeria’s agribusiness…

In Riyadh’s glittering skyline — where the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute gathered the world’s most influential business minds — Nigerian investor and philanthropist Tony Elumelu delivered a wake-up call that echoed far beyond the conference halls. Speaking at the “Board of Changemakers: Financial Markets” plenary, alongside global banking icons such as Jane Fraser (Citigroup), Bill Winters (Standard Chartered), and C.S. Venkatakrishnan (Barclays), the Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA) chairman spotlighted a paradox shaping the 21st century: the race for artificial intelligence cannot leave Africa behind. “We’re talking about data and AI, but over 600 million Africans…

In a country where inflation continues to weaken the naira and uncertainty clouds the business climate, two young Nigerians are rewriting the script of success. In the heart of Abuja, Abdulwasiu Adeyemo and Jubril Omotara—both under 30—are quietly building a real estate powerhouse with a clear mission: to make property ownership accessible, inclusive, and wealth-generating for young Africans. Their venture, RepAfrica, is more than a real estate company. It is an idea born from persistence, self-belief, and the conviction that youth can compete in an industry long perceived as a preserve of the elite. From the Lab to the Land:…

Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy are gaining renewed momentum, with the country’s solid minerals sector emerging as a promising frontier for foreign investment. According to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, Chinese companies have injected over $1.3 billion into Nigeria’s lithium processing industry since 2023 — a landmark move that underscores global confidence in Nigeria’s growing mineral potential. Speaking at the 2025 China Mining Conference in Tianjin, themed “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share,” Dr. Alake highlighted how partnerships between Nigeria and leading Chinese investors are transforming the nation’s mining landscape. Lithium: The New Oil of…

In a major step toward global financial reintegration, Nigeria has officially been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, marking a historic victory for Africa’s largest economy and a strong endorsement of the government’s ongoing economic reforms. The announcement was made in Paris by Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, during the 2025 FATF Plenary. The decision, coming after nearly two years of rigorous reforms, positions Nigeria as a country ready to reassert itself as a credible and compliant player in the international financial system. “This is not just a…

A bold wave of educational transformation is unfolding as Business Matters Incubators (BMI) introduces a revolutionary set of entrepreneurial learning resources crafted to support the rollout of Nigeria’s 2025 national curriculum. The initiative — independently designed by BMI yet endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, NERDC, and the National Assembly — is set to reshape how pupils and students acquire essential life skills. Its central goal is to nurture creative thinking, digital competence, and financial awareness from the foundation years. Unveiled under the banner “Catch Them Young,” the launch brought together influential figures from education, politics, and development sectors,…

In a business world often defined by noise and haste, Bola Shagaya stands apart — calm, strategic, and unwaveringly focused. Over the decades, she has built an empire rooted in discipline, foresight, and integrity, proving that true success is rarely accidental but the product of consistent vision and deliberate growth. Her journey mirrors the evolution of Nigerian enterprise itself — from early ventures in commerce to groundbreaking achievements in oil and gas, banking, and real estate development. Through each phase, Shagaya has redefined what it means to be an African business leader in a global economy, demonstrating that innovation and…

In a bold move to strengthen regional commerce and empower local industries, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to host a high-level Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) workshop in Enugu, bringing together key players from across Nigeria’s South-East business community. The event, slated for tomorrow, will serve as a pivotal platform for business owners, manufacturers, and trade experts to explore how the ETLS — one of ECOWAS’s oldest and most influential economic instruments — can be leveraged to expand cross-border trade and deepen regional cooperation. First established in 1979, the ETLS was conceived as a cornerstone of…

In an era defined by economic uncertainty and shifting social realities, one message stood out loud and clear at the Business Balance & Beyond Xclusive 2025 Summit held in Port Harcourt — “Find a problem, solve it, and the money will follow.” That simple, yet profound statement came from Ella Chioma Ezeadilieje, popularly known as Veronica’s Daughter — a renowned entrepreneur, thought leader, and founder of the Business Balance & Beyond movement. Her voice carried not just conviction, but a deep understanding of what it means to build purpose, resilience, and wealth in today’s Nigeria. A Mindset Shift: From Waiting…

In a powerful call for accountability and national growth, Nigerian women in business have urged the federal government to back its economic policies with consistent implementation—beginning with the ‘Nigeria First’ initiative. The appeal came during the Handover Ceremony and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Alumnae Association (AWEAA), held in Lagos, where women leaders gathered to chart a new course for sustainable enterprise and inclusive growth. Leading by Example: A Call to Action At the event, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, Chief Executive Officer of Le Look Nigeria Limited, emphasized that true national transformation begins when government institutions…

In a bold move to revolutionize the way food is grown, sold, and consumed across Africa, a groundbreaking digital innovation—Farmlinkup—has officially launched in Nigeria. The platform is redefining how farmers, industrialists, and consumers interact, marking a new dawn for agribusiness in the digital age. Unveiled at an inspiring event in Ibadan, the founder, Omoyele Omonira, described Farmlinkup as “a living ecosystem where technology meets agriculture to empower farmers and feed nations.” The platform, he explained, is far more than a trading hub—it is a transformative network built to strengthen the agricultural value chain from soil to shelf. A Vision Rooted…

In a season where activism often blurs into agitation, Nigeria’s youth leaders are calling for a crucial pause — and a rethink.This week, the Kaduna State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) made a bold declaration: not all who speak the language of activism have the nation’s good at heart. The Council’s caution followed reports of a planned protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, allegedly championed by activist Omoyele Sowore. The movement, coming on the heels of a U.S. Embassy security advisory, has triggered fresh national debate on the boundaries between civil expression and orchestrated unrest. But in a time…

Over a decade ago, Nigeria’s introduction of the cashless policy aimed to make Point-of-Sale (POS) systems a hallmark of modern convenience—tools designed to ease payments in stores, restaurants, and service outlets without the need for cash. Yet, years later, this vision has flipped on its head. Rather than promoting digital payments, POS machines have evolved into neighborhood cash dispensers, transforming small entrepreneurs into human ATMs scattered across both cities and rural areas. Today, from street corners to small kiosks, POS agents have become indispensable. They provide cash withdrawals, money transfers, and bill payment services, filling a void left by traditional…

Nigeria’s financial landscape is witnessing a remarkable paradox: while digital currencies thrive, traditional investment participation continues to shrink. The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama, revealed that between July 2023 and June 2024, over $50 billion worth of cryptocurrency transactions were recorded in Nigeria — a figure that reflects the boldness, sophistication, and risk appetite of Nigerian investors. However, this surge in crypto engagement sharply contrasts with the poor participation in the country’s formal capital market. Speaking at the annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, where he presented a paper titled “Evaluating the…