Author: Gift Ifeanyi

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…

Top organizations including OCP Africa, Deloitte Africa, UNDP, UN Women, Nedbank, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) are set to headline the 11th edition of the Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF). Scheduled to take place from October 30–31, 2025, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in South Africa, the AWIEF 2025 Conference and Exhibition will bring together an inspiring mix of entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, corporate executives, and development partners from across the continent and the diaspora. The two-day event will feature discussions,…

A new initiative, Scaling Women’s Economic Empowerment through Affirmative Procurement Reform (SWEEAP), is opening powerful opportunities for women business owners in Kano and Rivers States to expand their ventures and compete more effectively in both local and international markets. The program is designed to strengthen women-led enterprises by equipping them with the skills to secure public and private procurement contracts, enhance operational capacity, and drive sustainable business growth. Why This Program Is Transformative Despite their major contribution to Nigeria’s economy, many female entrepreneurs still struggle to access finance, contracts, and visibility in competitive markets. SWEEAP bridges this divide by simplifying…

In a bold move to redefine the future of media practice in Nigeria, Seplat Energy Plc has transformed its 2025 Annual Media Training Programme into a launchpad for journalists ready to evolve beyond traditional reporting into entrepreneurship and innovation. Held in Abuja, the two-day event gathered 50 media professionals for an intensive learning experience that merged business acumen, digital transformation, and self-development — signaling Seplat’s commitment to building financially independent and forward-thinking journalists. Redefining the Role of Journalists in a Changing Economy At the core of the training was a radical idea — journalists can be creators, innovators, and business…

The Advancing Nutrition Through Female-Led Processing (ANTFem) Program has launched its Cohort 2.0 application round — an empowering initiative dedicated to strengthening women-owned food enterprises across Nigeria. Spearheaded by Food Health Systems Advisory (FHSA), this program focuses on supporting women entrepreneurs transforming the food processing sector in areas such as dried tomatoes, dried okra, smoked or dried fish, yoghurt, and fura da nono. Participants receive customized guidance covering business growth, financing, technology adoption, digital innovation, mentorship, and market expansion, all designed to build profitable and sustainable food ventures.  Eligibility Criteria For Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Must be a female-led…

Over the past decade, the Masterpiece Resource Development Centre (MRDC) has become a powerhouse for entrepreneurship growth in Nigeria, nurturing more than 10,000 business owners and providing a showcase platform for over 500 enterprises nationwide. Speaking ahead of the organisation’s upcoming conference, Modupe Oyekunle, MRDC’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, reflected on its 18-year journey of building capacity, driving innovation, and promoting enterprise sustainability since its founding in 2007. According to Oyekunle, MRDC’s rise from a small idea to a national hub for entrepreneurial excellence was accelerated through its collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Through the Start and…

Nigeria’s biggest film and creative stars are set to captivate the world stage at this year’s GUBA Awards and Cultural Showcase in Barbados, where African heritage meets Caribbean flair. The event promises a fusion of glamour, emotion, and artistic brilliance — complete with dazzling fashion moments, heartfelt tributes, and a special feature by Nollywood legend Sola Sobowale, whose presence has sparked excitement among fans across Barbados. Joining her are acclaimed filmmakers and actors Tola Odunsi and Stan Nze, whose participation highlights the global reach and storytelling excellence of Nigeria’s creative industry. Nigeria’s Global Influence Takes the Spotlight This year’s GUBA…

The UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) is paving the way for easier access to British markets for Nigerian businesses, according to Ms. Mujina Kaindama, the UK Head of Trade Policy for Nigeria. Speaking during the UK DCTS Roadshow held in Kano, Kaindama explained that the initiative aims to simplify rules of origin and make compliance less burdensome for exporters. She noted that the engagement was designed to be hands-on, with participants receiving practical guidance from trade experts on how to effectively use the DCTS to grow their enterprises. In her contribution, Dr. Adiya Ode of Propcon+ underscored the agricultural…

As 2025 draws to a close, small and medium-sized business owners across Nigeria face a decisive period that could define their financial outcomes for the year. With the final months bringing heightened competition and increased consumer demand, entrepreneurs are urged to adopt smarter, more strategic approaches to stay ahead. Experts featured on SME Clinic, a BusinessDay Television program for emerging business leaders, revealed that adaptability, collaboration, and financial prudence are the key drivers of success in these crucial months. According to Success Ajilore, a chartered accountant and founder of the Business Transformation Network, business owners must stay alert to shifting…