Author: Gift Ifeanyi

At the Georgetown Africa Business Conference (GTABC), Kolade Ogunsola and his team, Team Afriheels, secured a prestigious second-place finish, competing against an elite group of talented innovators. For Ogunsola, this achievement wasn’t just a recognition of his team’s hard work—it was a moment that reaffirmed his confidence in the power of Machine Learning and Blockchain Technology to drive business transformation. A Vision for the Future of Business Reflecting on the experience, Kolade shared: “Leading Team Afriheels at the Georgetown Africa Business Conference was both humbling and empowering. Securing second place among such an elite pool of talent reaffirmed my confidence…

In an ambitious bid to bolster Nigeria’s economic footprint and drive bilateral trade, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) has announced plans to deepen economic ties between Nigeria and the United States. This pledge was made by Sheriff Balogun, the Chamber’s newly inaugurated 20th president, during a ceremony marking NACC’s 65th anniversary in Lagos. Balogun has unveiled a transformative agenda aimed at expanding the Chamber’s influence, driving innovation, and delivering measurable economic impact. A Vision for Growth: Expansion, Innovation, and Impact Balogun’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for the NACC as he seeks to reposition it as a driving force…

In a world where innovation, impact, and international reach define modern leadership, Collins Nzekwe stands out as a dynamic force. A seasoned management consultant with a multifaceted background spanning banking, consulting, and entrepreneurship, Collins brings a global perspective rooted in purpose. With an MBA from the prestigious Schulich School of Business at York University, alongside further certifications from Yale and Harvard, his academic pedigree is just the beginning of his remarkable journey. As the founder and managing partner of Lex Consulting Group, a strategic consulting firm operating across the U.S., Canada, and Nigeria, Collins helps organizations unlock growth in emerging…

In a strong reaction to the recent spate of false reports targeting his office, the Office of the Vice President has dismissed claims that Vice President Kashim Shettima was denied access to the Presidential Villa. The office described the reports as deliberate fabrications aimed at causing confusion and implying a rift within the Presidency. In a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications, the Vice President’s office refuted the allegations, calling them part of a concerted effort to spread disinformation. “These mischievous reports are entirely fabricated, designed to mislead the public…

In a startling revelation, Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, recently disclosed that the Federal Government owes a staggering N4 trillion to electricity generation companies (GenCos) and distribution companies (DisCos). This monumental debt is threatening the financial stability of the country’s power sector, which has long been a critical pillar for industrial growth and economic development. The Growing Debt Crisis: A Looming Catastrophe Speaking at the public presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP) and the Nigeria Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) in Abuja last Thursday, Adelabu confirmed the alarming figures: N2 trillion owed to both GenCos and DisCos for…

Modupe Ladipo, with over 35 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, women’s economic empowerment, and financial innovation, has been a driving force in Nigeria’s financial inclusion movement. Throughout her illustrious career, she has focused on advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). As the Managing Director of Prosperar Consulting, Ladipo is dedicated to building inclusive economies in emerging markets, advocating for access to finance, improving financial literacy, and supporting SMEs,…

The New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State has strongly dismissed rumors suggesting that its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, is contemplating a move to the All Progressive Congress (APC). In response to a statement attributed to APC Chairman in the state, Prince Abdullahii Abbas, NNPP Chairman in Kano, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, took to the media to clarify the situation. He firmly stated that Kwankwaso has no intention of joining what he referred to as “Tinubu’s corrupt government”. A Defiant Stand Prince Abdullahii Abbas had previously warned Kwankwaso that should he decide to join APC, he would…

Entrepreneurs in Ogun State now have an exciting opportunity to receive €30,000 in funding to expand their businesses, thanks to the Orange Corners Nigeria (OCN) Incubation Programme. The funding aims to support innovative solutions addressing challenges in the circular economy, with a focus on sustainability and resource efficiency. Beneficiaries will not only receive monetary support but also participate in a comprehensive six-month training program designed to equip them with the necessary skills for success in their ventures. Participants, aged between 18 and 35, will benefit from a wide range of support, including: Enterprise development training and capacity building Access to…

In a bold move to foster grassroots development and economic empowerment, the Mary Ojulari Foundation has awarded a total of $105,000 in investment grants to 21 young entrepreneurs across Nigeria. This significant announcement was made during the inaugural Vanguard Fellowship Awards & Networking Cocktail Party, held at the Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in Onikan, Lagos Island on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. A Strategic Investment in Innovation and Growth The 21 recipients, comprising 18 women and 3 men, were selected from a competitive pool of 50 participants who completed the Foundation’s intensive two-week Ignite Bootcamp. The bootcamp followed…

Fidelity Bank PLC has been recognized as Nigeria’s Best Private Bank at the prestigious 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. The award, one of the highest honors in the global banking sector, was presented to the bank at a grand ceremony held recently at The Savoy Hotel in London. A Celebration of Leadership in Banking The Euromoney Awards for Excellence, organized annually by Euromoney magazine, shine a spotlight on the world’s most outstanding achievements in banking and finance. This year, the award acknowledged Fidelity Bank for its leadership in private banking, innovation, and exceptional client service, particularly in the areas of…

Nigeria is beginning to show promising signs of economic recovery, particularly through the solid minerals sector, which is fast attracting global investor interest. According to Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay Media, the country is “turning the corner”—even if the signs aren’t yet fully visible on the streets. Speaking at the BusinessDay Mining and Solid Minerals Conference—represented by Tayo Fagbule, Editor of BusinessDay—Aigbogun revealed that feedback from business leaders and investors points to a new wave of optimism. “Every day in my line of work, I speak with people across industries. And one thing I’ve noticed consistently since the start of…

China has taken a bold step in reinforcing its economic presence in Africa by signing a $1 billion agreement with Nigeria to launch a massive sugarcane cultivation and processing project. The deal, inked between the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and Chinese industrial giant SINOMACH, is expected to supercharge Nigeria’s sugar industry while deepening Beijing’s strategic influence on the continent. According to NSDC Executive Secretary, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, the partnership is one of the first fruits of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu. In a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bakrin confirmed that the…

Nigeria’s currency, the naira, could face another devaluation soon as falling global oil prices strain the country’s finances, according to economists at Goldman Sachs. Andrew Matheny, an economist at Goldman, stated that Nigeria’s budget is now under pressure due to optimistic assumptions that aren’t holding up in the face of weaker oil prices. “The natural policy response to lower oil prices is a depreciation of the naira, as this boosts oil revenues in local currency,” Matheny explained. A Budget Under Pressure Nigeria’s 2024 budget was based on oil selling at $75 per barrel and a production rate of 2 million…

Now more than ever, there’s renewed faith in Nigeria’s future. With abundant human capital, raw talent, and relentless creativity, the country stands at the edge of transformation — and a major force pushing this change is the powerful partnership between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Innov8 Hub, an innovation-focused NGO based in Abuja. This collaboration is actively reshaping Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem through initiatives like the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) for universities and Research for Impact (R4i) for polytechnics. These programmes empower academics to turn research into real-world solutions, entrepreneurship, and economic impact. R4i Cohort…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for deeper collaboration among Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to create a more efficient and business-friendly environment for Nigerians and investors. Speaking at the close of a high-level retreat in Abuja organized by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Shettima stressed the need for innovation, synergy, and measurable outcomes in public service delivery.  Trust and Teamwork at the Core “Trust is the most valuable currency in governance. Without it, no reform can endure,” the Vice President said. He encouraged MDAs to work more cohesively through joint planning, shared data, and the adoption…

On April 16, 2025, Chief Oladele Fajemirokun, the esteemed Baba Oba of Ifewara Kingdom, celebrated his 75th birthday, surrounded by family, friends, and admirers who came together to honor a life of purpose, impact, and distinction. Widely regarded as a visionary businessman and philanthropist, Chief Fajemirokun has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape and remains a strong pillar in national development efforts.  A Life of Business Excellence Born on April 16, 1950, Chief Fajemirokun’s entrepreneurial journey spans multiple sectors, including: Insurance: Chairman, AIICO Insurance Plc & AIICO Capital Limited Food & Beverages: Stakeholder in Food Concepts & Chicken Republic…

Phillips Nto, Director of the Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ABIC) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has raised a red flag over Nigeria’s staggering N14 trillion annual loss to post-harvest mismanagement. He made this known during a courtesy visit by the National Youth Council of Nigeria (Abia State Chapter), led by its Chairman, Smith Silvernus.  Agriculture: A Goldmine for Nigerian Youth Nto described agriculture as one of the most legitimate and untapped pathways for Nigerian youths to become billionaires. He urged them to fully embrace opportunities across the agricultural value chain — from processing and storage to logistics and product…

Union Bank of Nigeria has reaffirmed its dedication to homegrown innovation by rewarding winners of the RISE Business Challenge with substantial cash prizes under its Made-in-Naija initiative. Now in its sixth edition, the Youth Leadership Conference — hosted at the University of Lagos, Akoka — crowned three standout entrepreneurs, awarding: N1 million to the 1st place winner N750,000 to the 2nd place winner N250,000 to the 3rd place winner  RISE to the Challenge: Empowering the Next Generation This year’s event, tagged Turning Point 6.0, featured the Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) Challenge — a collaborative effort between Union…

Tokunbo Aruoture, fondly known as Toks, is a UK-based Nigerian entrepreneur redefining luxury in the baby furniture industry. As the founder of The Baby Cot Shop—a premium nursery brand with outlets in Chelsea and the iconic Harrods—Toks has turned personal setbacks into entrepreneurial triumphs. In this exclusive interview with Ime Enang, she shares her inspiring journey, navigating challenges as a Nigerian woman in business, her vision for expansion in Africa, and the resilience that shaped her brand.  From Crisis to Creation: The Birth of The Baby Cot Shop “My journey began at rock bottom,” Toks recalls. After relocating from the…

In a celebration of corporate excellence, Dangote Cement was awarded the prestigious Platinum Award at the second edition of the Corporate Reporting Awards, held at the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Tuesday. MTN Nigeria claimed the Gold Award, and Seplat Energy was named the runner-up for their outstanding corporate reporting efforts in 2023. The event, organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and NGX Regulation Limited, aims to honor transparency and integrity in corporate reporting among companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange. Recognizing Transparency & Accountability The event celebrated excellence in various categories, with notable winners such…