Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Abuja is set to host a groundbreaking convergence of industry heavyweights as the inaugural “Sports Meet Nigeria” conference takes center stage at Cubana Hotel, Jabi on April 26, 2025. Bringing together key figures in sports, business, media, and government, the event will serve as a launchpad for strategic conversations, partnerships, and investments aimed at transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape into a powerhouse of economic and social impact. Uniting Forces for Sports-Driven Growth Conceived by Akeola Lukumanu Ayinde—a seasoned sports business advisor, FIFA player agent, boxing promoter, and CEO of ESEM Group—the conference promises high-energy panel sessions, keynote speeches, networking forums, and…

In a booming year for Nigeria’s financial sector, nine top banks earned a combined N14.26 trillion in interest income in 2024—more than double the N6.49 trillion recorded the previous year. The surge in bank earnings comes on the back of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) aggressive monetary tightening, which saw the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) climb to a record 24.75%, with commercial lending rates ranging from 28% to 35%. While the move significantly boosted banks’ revenues, it has also drawn sharp criticism from the real sector for worsening access to credit and straining business operations, particularly for manufacturers and…

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has officially announced the maiden edition of the Startup Consultative Forum, scheduled to take place in Abuja on Monday, April 28, 2025. In a statement issued by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency described the event as a pivotal step toward strengthening collaboration within Nigeria’s dynamic startup landscape. A Platform for Innovation and Policy Dialogue The Forum will bring together startup founders, innovators, investors, ecosystem enablers, and intermediaries in a shared space to help shape policies that drive growth, investment, and digital innovation. It’s more than just…

Nigeria stands on the threshold of transformation—powered by its greatest asset: its youth. With a median age of just 17, the country’s future is undeniably tied to the empowerment, education, and success of its younger generation. Recognising this, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has unveiled a bold and visionary blueprint aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigerian youth through strategic empowerment programmes and economic reforms. The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA): Shaping Future Leaders At the heart of this vision is the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA)—a game-changing initiative designed to boost Nigeria’s human capital by offering training in digital skills, technical…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially debunked claims circulating on social media about the introduction of new ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 naira notes, clarifying that no such denominations are being launched. The Viral Misinformation The false claim—originally shared via Facebook posts on April 2—alleged that the CBN would roll out the new notes starting May 1, citing the move as a strategy to ease Nigeria’s “cash challenges.” The posts featured: A fake CBN press release, falsely signed by a “Dr. Ibrahim Tahir Jr.,” claimed to be a deputy governor of the apex bank. Fabricated images of the supposed banknotes,…

In a bold forecast for the future of Nigeria’s energy sector, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced that the country is on track to become a full-fledged petroleum exporting nation within two years. This optimistic projection follows a significant milestone reported by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)—the licensing of 83 refineries across the country, boasting a combined refining capacity of 1,124,500 barrels per day. According to NMDPRA, the breakdown of the current refinery licenses is as follows: 8 refineries with Licenses to Operate (LTO) 30 refineries with Licenses to Construct…

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, is heading the country’s delegation to the 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) Spring Meetings, taking place from April 21 to April 26 in Washington, D.C. The annual event gathers representatives from over 190 countries, including finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institutions, and economic policy leaders, to tackle some of the world’s most pressing financial challenges. Nigeria’s Strategic Presence on the Global Stage Nigeria’s delegation comprises high-ranking officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), CEOs of financial institutions, private sector leaders, civil society advocates, and NGO representatives—highlighting…

Reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector may not be enough on their own to draw in investment—targeted incentives and proper execution are critical, according to experts at the 2025 Investor Perception Survey presentation held by Arbiterz Conferences in partnership with Good Governance Africa (GGA). Reforms Applauded, but Gaps Remain Dr. Ogho Okiti, Managing Director of Africa Business Convention, praised the government’s reform efforts but stressed that policy tweaks must align with national goals and be backed by practical incentives. “To attract serious investment, we must fix FX constraints, offer compelling incentives, and drive real sector growth—especially in the gas…

Digital entrepreneurs and online investors are raising concerns following a major legal reform that could reshape Nigeria’s digital finance and investment landscape. President Bola Tinubu recently signed the Investments and Securities Act 2025 (ISA 2025) into law—a sweeping regulation aimed at tightening control over online trading platforms and protecting investors from financial misconduct. One of the most significant reforms under this new law is the outright ban of unregistered online foreign exchange (forex) trading platforms and digital asset exchanges in Nigeria. Any entity operating such platforms without prior registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now considered illegal…

In a bold step toward strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LIMBsimple, a dynamic business development firm. This partnership aims to empower entrepreneurs and professionals, creating a financially inclusive and resilient business environment across the country. Professor Pius Deji Olanrewaju, President and Chairman of the Council at CIBN, expressed strong optimism about the collaboration, describing it as a catalyst for long-term value creation across various sectors. “We’re proud to partner with LIMBsimple, an innovation-driven company committed to reshaping the entrepreneurial space,” Olanrewaju stated during the…

In a bold move to curb unemployment and empower the next generation, the West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE), in partnership with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and King’s Trust Fund, has encouraged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship and essential employability skills. This call was made during the recent “Get Hired” recruitment fair, which brought together over 150 job seekers and 20 employers, marking the conclusion of an intensive four-week employability training program designed to prepare youth for the real world of work. The initiative is part of a broader Lagos State mission to empower 2,000 youths aged 18…

Princess Adenubi Olagbegi-Apampa, a US-based entrepreneur and cleric, is calling on Nigerians in the diaspora to reconsider their reluctance to return home, emphasizing that the challenges Nigeria faces—especially insecurity—are not unique, nor should they discourage contributions to national development. Speaking during the commissioning of the multi-million naira Princess Nubi Plaza Seliat Hall in Oluyole Estate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Owo-born royal and human capital expert shared a powerful message: Nigeria needs her people back. “Every country has its challenges. The insecurity we face here is not exclusive to Nigeria,” she said. “In fact, what many…

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) is placing a bold spotlight on Nigeria’s creative industry, positioning it as a vital engine for economic growth and international trade relations—especially with the United Kingdom. This message took center stage during the Chamber’s 2025 Outward Trade Mission to the UK, held from April 7 to 11, aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s global presence and economic diplomacy through cultural collaboration. “Nigeria’s creative sector is not just talent-rich—it’s a strategic asset,” said Ray Atelly, President and Chairman of NBCC. “It holds the key to diversifying our economy and forging powerful bilateral partnerships, especially with the UK.”…

In a country where nearly 80% of businesses fail within their first five years, Nigerian entrepreneurs are rallying around a new solution: strategic mentorship and structured growth. That was the message at the recently concluded 2-day Business Growth Conference in Lagos, themed “Principles of Scaling Your Business to 10 Figures.” The event brought together ambitious founders and top business minds to explore practical strategies for building sustainable, billion-naira enterprises. “Most businesses crash within two to three years—not because they’re bad ideas, but because they lack structure and guidance,” said Dr. Stephen Akintayo, Chairman of GText Holdings and founder of the…

In a stunning encore of innovation and impact, Solape Akinpelu, the visionary behind Hervest, has won the $30,000 Aurora Tech Award for 2025 — marking the second consecutive year a Nigerian entrepreneur has claimed the top prize. The announcement was made at the grand finale of the global competition held in Cairo, Egypt, from April 11–13. Akinpelu now joins Folake Owodunni, who took home the same award in 2024, further solidifying Nigeria’s rising influence in the global tech and innovation space. Empowering Africa’s Women, One Fintech Solution at a Time Akinpelu’s startup, Hervest, is a fintech platform transforming lives by…

In a bold step towards shaping Africa’s future, The Covenant Nation, led by Pastor Poju Oyemade, is set to unveil Platform Africa, an expanded vision of its highly acclaimed initiative, The Platform Nigeria. The launch event will take place on May 1st in Lagos, bringing together innovators, leaders, public servants, and entrepreneurs from across the continent. From National Voice to Continental Movement Since its inception, The Platform Nigeria has been a transformative force, igniting critical conversations around economic governance, leadership, innovation, and national transformation. Now, with Platform Africa, that mission takes on a broader scope — transcending borders to embrace…

In a vibrant celebration of entrepreneurship and local creativity, Ecobank Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) at the second edition of Oja Oge by Ecobank, a three-day fashion, culture, and lifestyle pop-up event that kicked off with great enthusiasm over the weekend. Held in a dynamic setting buzzing with activity, the event attracted throngs of visitors eager to explore premium brands and enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 50% from both local and international exhibitors. A Marketplace with Purpose Omoboye Odu, Ecobank Nigeria’s Head of SME, Partnerships and Collaborations, expressed delight at the turnout and…

In a time when technology is reshaping industries and economies, Jude Enajero has emerged as a national force—merging innovation with finance to transform how Nigerian businesses grow and operate. His inspiring journey from the bustling city of Lagos to the forefront of AI-powered fintech and supply chain innovation is a story of vision, resilience, and a passion for impact. A Lagos-Born Dreamer with a Knack for Numbers From a young age, Jude exhibited a sharp intellect and an insatiable curiosity for finance and technology. His educational journey led him to the University of Lagos, where he graduated with distinction in…

In the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural transformation is Emem Alban, a dynamic agronomist and visionary entrepreneur on a mission to fight hunger, empower communities, and drive sustainable development. As the CEO of Emani Farms Giant Limited and the founder of the End Hunger Humanitarian Initiative, Emem blends innovation, compassion, and business acumen to transform lives in rural Nigeria. From Challenge to Change: The Making of a Visionary Born on November 19, 1984, and raised in Lagos, Emem’s early years were shaped by discipline and resilience—values that continue to guide her today. Despite earning a degree in Brewing Science and Technology…

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has raised alarm over the harmful effects of overly aggressive revenue collection strategies by government agencies, warning that they are putting businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), at risk. The Chamber, which represents key stakeholders in Nigeria’s business community, expressed concern that such approaches could jeopardize the nation’s economic growth. LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa delivered the warning during the Chamber’s First Quarterly Review of the Nation’s Economy. He cautioned that the Federal Government’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030 could remain unattainable unless critical sectors, particularly power, are…