Author: Gift Ifeanyi

An upcoming event in Lagos aims to equip business professionals and entrepreneurs with practical strategies that blend innovation, leadership, and spiritual purpose. Scheduled for June 12, 2025, at the Festival Hotel Conference Centre and Spa in Diamond Estate, Amuwo Odofin, the transformational gathering will focus on aligning professional excellence with core values of integrity and faith. Themed “Marketplace Influence, Innovation, and Integrity in Leadership and Enterprise,” the conference seeks to empower attendees through insightful discussions that merge faith-based principles with modern business strategies. The initiative is led by a seasoned entrepreneur and faith-driven leader, who expressed that the event is…

The government of Abia State has unveiled plans for an upcoming international summit aimed at expanding economic collaboration with Turkey and attracting global investors to the region. Scheduled to take place from November 25 to 27, the Turkey-Abia Investment and Trade Exhibition is designed to highlight Abia’s investment potential and foster cross-border partnerships that can drive long-term growth and job creation. The initiative, according to the state’s investment office, will serve as a strategic platform to showcase Abia’s advantages as a rising industrial hub in Nigeria and the broader African market. The focus will be on high-impact sectors such as…

The 2025 editions of WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos have officially wrapped up, leaving a transformative imprint on the healthcare landscape across West Africa. Held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, the three-day gathering united thousands of healthcare professionals, innovators, policymakers, and investors under one roof. Now in its 12th edition and formerly known as Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa, the rebranded WHX platform showcased its evolution into West Africa’s most influential healthcare and diagnostics hub. This year’s event brought together over 8,000 visitors and around 500 exhibitors from across the continent and beyond, all committed to…

In a major win for African innovation, Nigerian drone technology company Terra Industries has secured a $1.2 million contract to provide surveillance for two hydropower facilities—beating out a competing bid from an Israeli consortium. The startup, previously known as TerraHaptix, will deploy 12 surveillance drones and over 35 security towers in collaboration with a local security company. These installations aim to bolster safety around the hydropower plants, which have reportedly become strategic targets for criminal activity, including banditry and terrorism. Details on the specific locations of the plants remain undisclosed. According to Nathan Nwachuku, the 22-year-old CEO of Terra Industries,…

VivaJets, a rising Nigerian business aviation company, has reached a major milestone after being granted its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The certification allows the company to operate commercial flights across 34 African countries, opening up vast opportunities for regional connectivity and trade. In just two years since its launch, VivaJets has grown its fleet and expanded its route network, setting its sights on transforming air mobility across Africa. Erika Achum, CEO of VivaJets and leader of parent company Falcon Aerospace Limited, views the achievement as a pivotal moment for African aviation. “If we…

In a landmark move poised to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to clean energy, Irish firm CDGA Consultants, through its subsidiary Cork Nigeria Solar Energy Company (CNSEC), has unveiled plans to establish a 200-megawatt solar panel manufacturing plant in the Lagos Free Zone. But this is more than a factory — it’s a foundation for long-term energy independence, job creation, and technological transfer. “We’re not just building panels — we’re building people, capacity, and a future-proof energy sector for Nigeria,” said Dan Moriarty, Managing Director of CNSEC. A Bold Shift from Generators to Green Power With Lagos residents and businesses burning through…

In a major stride towards building a thriving digital economy, Nigeria has opened the doors to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Digital Innovation Park in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This groundbreaking centre symbolizes a strong collaboration between federal and state governments, focused on nurturing local tech talent and sparking innovation. Officially launched on June 4 by Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the park is designed as a vibrant ecosystem to help startups grow, equip young people with essential digital skills, and fuel technological entrepreneurship across the region. “The digital innovation park is a key pillar…

Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released a revealing book that explores one of the country’s largest financial scandals — the fuel subsidy fraud. Titled “The Shadow of Loot & Losses: Unmasking Nigeria’s Subsidy Scam”, the book provides an in-depth look at the billions of naira lost through fraudulent subsidy claims over the years. Bawa, who played a direct role in investigating the infamous 2012 subsidy scandal, shares insider details on how the scheme was carried out and sustained. The exposé pulls back the curtain on how public funds were drained through…

Rising internet costs in Nigeria have led to a noticeable decline in data consumption, according to figures released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Between January and April 2025, national internet usage dropped by 1.76%, falling from 1,000,930.60 terabytes to 983,283.43 terabytes. This shift came shortly after a substantial increase in data tariffs was introduced earlier in the year. In February, the NCC approved a 50% hike in data pricing, raising the cost of popular data plans across the board. For instance, the former ₦1,000 price tag for 1.5GB now buys just 1.8GB at ₦1,500. Larger bundles saw even steeper…

A new mobile-focused social networking platform, 9jawap, has officially launched in Nigeria, offering creators and small businesses a way to earn money and grow their digital footprint. Developed by 9JAWAP Tech Solutions Ltd, the platform is designed with the specific needs of Nigerian users in mind, enabling bloggers, influencers, and local entrepreneurs to build communities and access income opportunities through features like tipping, premium content, and job boards. Unlike global social apps that often limit African users’ monetization options, 9jawap places earning potential at the center of its design. Users can post blogs, share short videos, promote events, and participate…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially flagged off the Afam 2 Power Plant, a 180-megawatt project completed by Sahara Power Group in partnership with Crescendough Nigeria Limited. This development raises Nigeria’s total electricity generation capacity to 5,801 megawatts. The virtual commissioning took place on June 4, 2025, and was held in Afam, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State. It drew attendance from key figures across Nigeria’s energy sector, including federal ministers, regulators, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Sahara Power Group, Africa’s largest privately-owned power company and a subsidiary of Sahara Group, executed the project alongside Crescendough Nigeria…

Nigerian subscribers to Netflix are facing yet another price surge, as the streaming service adjusts its rates upward for the first time in 2025. The Premium Plan now costs ₦8,500 monthly, up from ₦7,000 — a 21% increase. This latest revision follows a pattern of consistent price hikes, marking the third increase since early 2024. While Netflix has not directly blamed inflation, it cited the need to adjust prices to reflect changing market conditions and ongoing improvements to its platform. Other subscription tiers have also seen notable increases. The Standard Plan has climbed from ₦5,500 to ₦6,500, while the Basic…

A landmark international exhibition featuring the finest leather and textile products from Aba’s renowned Ariaria Market is on the horizon, thanks to a partnership between the Rivers Entrepreneurs and Investors Forum (REIF) and key industry unions in Abia State. The upcoming event, slated to hold before the end of 2025, aims to spotlight the extraordinary craftsmanship and industrial capacity rooted in Ariaria, one of Africa’s largest commercial hubs. While the host city for the exhibition is yet to be finalized, organizers say the show is set to capture both local and international attention. In a strategic meeting over the weekend,…

In a bid to raise the standard of craftsmanship in Nigeria and reduce reliance on foreign artisans, the Federal Government is set to train 100,000 artisans nationwide through its Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative. The Director-General of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Oluwatoyin Afiz Ogun, announced this on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Association of Nigeria Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT) Southwest/Ondo State Secretariat in Akure, Ondo State. Ogun explained that the SUPA programme is a strategic effort aimed at narrowing the skilled labour gap in the country by equipping both aspiring and established artisans with world-class training. “Our goal…

A powerful partnership between Access Bank, Mastercard, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is delivering new opportunities for Nigeria’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tackling challenges like limited finance access, infrastructure gaps, and skills development. Speaking at the 5th Annual MSME and Start-up Summit 2025—hosted by The Economic Forum Series alongside News Central TV—Mrs. Chizoma Okoli, Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank Group, highlighted the vital role of inclusive financial systems in Nigeria’s economy. “MSMEs contribute immensely to Nigeria’s growth but face obstacles such as limited financial services and lack of collateral,” she explained. “With 39…

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has officially inaugurated the Nigerian-British Trade Centre, a major strategic platform aimed at boosting exports, attracting investments, and expanding market access between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Mark Smithson, Country Director at the UK Department for Business and Trade, highlighted promising prospects under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). These initiatives currently offer low or zero tariffs on more than 2,000 Nigerian products entering the UK market. Smithson underscored the UK’s dedication to fostering fair trade partnerships and urged Nigerian exporters to adhere to international…

In a bold move to tackle youth unemployment and reduce reliance on white-collar jobs, the Cross River State chapter of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) has unveiled a groundbreaking skills development programme. The initiative aims to empower 400 young people with hands-on entrepreneurial training, preparing them to become self-sufficient business owners. Mr. Buba Pascal-Kejie, CAN’s State Chairman, revealed during a media briefing in Ikom that the programme is designed to equip youths with vital skills in trades such as welding, carpentry, and bricklaying — skills that are highly demanded in the local market. “Our vision is clear: move youths…

The Nigerian federal government has announced a major collaboration with tech giant Google to empower young Nigerians via digital transformation, enhancing their access to global and local opportunities. This strategic partnership was revealed by the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, during a meeting with a Google delegation led by Ms. Tanya Singh, Head of Value Education, at the ministry’s Abuja headquarters. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of equipping youth with essential technological skills to drive economic growth and innovation. Through targeted investments in digital infrastructure, skills training, and entrepreneurship support, Google and the Nigerian government aim…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has inked a landmark $7.5 million agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish the Nigerian AI Scaling Hub, a project aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence applications in key sectors. The announcement came from Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, following a high-profile meeting with Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation team in Abuja. While specifics about the AI Hub remain under wraps, Minister Tijani highlighted its focus on transformative AI solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and education—areas vital to the daily lives of millions of Nigerians. “This partnership…

A major N200 million funding initiative has been launched to transform Nigeria’s aquaculture sector and significantly boost local fish production to meet growing demand. Unveiled at the Eriwe fish farming cluster in Odogbolu, Ogun State, the Scaling Fish Farming through Finance program aims to empower fish farmers by addressing key challenges such as limited access to finance and the rising cost of fish feed. Mr. Paul Opuama, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, highlighted Nigeria’s vast water resources and the urgent need to harness them sustainably. “Fish farmers face serious financial constraints, especially with feed prices soaring.…