Author: Gift Ifeanyi

 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,…

In a groundbreaking move to strengthen economic resilience and foster sustainable development, Nigeria’s government has officially launched a pioneering platform aimed at deepening the partnership with its private sector. Spearheaded by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the inaugural session of the Government–Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series marked a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Held amidst a vibrant assembly of industry leaders, government officials, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, the forum—tagged “Finance and SME Growth Roundtable”—took place in Lagos, a bustling hub of business activity. Its primary goal was to…

In a stirring address at the closing ceremony of the Lagos Fashion Week, Mr. Umaru Kwairanga, the chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, yesterday emphasized the common goal between the capital market and the creative economy: transforming ideas into enduring values. Speaking at the NGX Limited venue, Mr. Kwairanga highlighted the significance of the event as a model for how the capital market can support emerging sectors of the economy. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo; American entertainer, Ms. Ciara Wilson; Mr. Tokunbo Akerele, chairman of…

Nigeria’s economic trajectory is gaining momentum, but key stakeholders are being urged to do more to ensure that this growth benefits the nation’s youthful population and burgeoning entrepreneurs. During the 2025 Fellowship Investiture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in fostering a more inclusive economy. Driving Growth Through Greater Lending Support Addressing an audience of banking professionals, government officials, and industry leaders, Mr. Edun highlighted that Nigeria’s rapid economic expansion—registering over 4% growth—must translate into tangible opportunities…

In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s business landscape, one name stands out for his relentless drive to transform ideas into impactful realities—Nkem Robert. A seasoned business strategist, tech innovator, and motivational speaker, Nkem’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of East London and a diverse background spanning consulting, construction, education, and faith, he’s redefining what it means to build sustainable businesses in Nigeria. Recently, I sat down with Nkem to explore his insights on the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the hurdles they…

In a bold and unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is considering military intervention in Nigeria, citing the ongoing violence and persecution targeting Christian communities as a critical threat to international stability. Through a post on social media, Trump warned that if Nigeria’s government fails to take decisive action to protect Christians, the U.S. will suspend all aid and may even deploy military forces. “If Nigeria continues to permit the slaughter of Christians, we will immediately halt all assistance and consider taking swift, decisive action,” he declared. “Our Department of Defense has been instructed…

Last week, Minister Manqoba Khumalo led a distinguished delegation to Nigeria, seeking inspiration from one of Africa’s most vibrant industrial success stories: the Lekki Free Trade Zone. This visit marked a significant step in Eswatini’s quest to boost its industrial sector and attract more investment. The Lekki Free Trade Zone, a flagship project in Nigeria, is a testament to what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships. Built through a collaboration between the Lagos State Government and a Chinese investment consortium, the zone features cutting-edge infrastructure—including a deep-water port and a dedicated power plant—designed to support thriving industries like manufacturing,…

In a bold move set to reshape Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Global Impact Business Community (GIBC), in collaboration with Trade Lenda, has launched a groundbreaking ₦15 billion SME Growth Fund — a lifeline for thousands of small and medium enterprises ready to scale impact, innovation, and inclusion. The announcement coincides with the opening of applications for the 2025 Impact Conference, slated for November 28–30 in Lagos, a three-day convergence designed not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for enterprise-driven transformation across the country. A New Vision for Empowerment Beyond Capital Unlike traditional funding schemes, the GIBC–Trade Lenda initiative…

The cost of cooking gas in Nigeria has surged to record highs, tightening pressure on households already grappling with a relentless cost-of-living crisis. By late October 2025, the price of a standard 12.5kg cylinder had soared to between ₦15,000 and ₦16,500 — a staggering jump from ₦9,000–₦10,000 just a month earlier. In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, retail surveys revealed that gas was selling between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000 per kilogram, more than double its September rate of ₦1,200–₦1,400. For many families and food vendors, the sudden escalation has turned an essential household item into a luxury. A Crisis at the Crossroads…

In a market long dominated by imported labels, Innocent Onwunali is quietly rewriting the story of Nigeria’s beverage industry. The serial entrepreneur, co-founder of IKI Leads, is proving that locally crafted spirits can rival — and even surpass — international brands in quality, appeal, and cultural relevance. What began as a modest idea between two brothers, Innocent and Ikechukwu Onwunali, has evolved into a thriving enterprise that celebrates Nigerian craftsmanship while challenging global conventions. Their early success with Pasa Bitters signaled the arrival of a new force in the indigenous liquor space — a drink that resonated with both tradition…

When a 30-second promotional video spiraled into one of Nigeria’s loudest social media storms of the month, retail brand Bokku Mart found itself in the center of a national debate on ethnicity, branding, and the growing power of online accountability. The controversy began when a short advert posted to the supermarket’s official social media pages featured a content creator known as Defolah using the phrase “No Omo Igbo can cheat me” while promoting the affordability of the store’s products. What was likely intended as light humor quickly morphed into outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the ad as ethnically insensitive toward…