Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Nigerian PR powerhouse SoMe Solutions is marking its 9th anniversary with a groundbreaking initiative: The Unicorn Project, a ₦20 million campaign to catapult one exceptional women-led business into the spotlight. Partnering with PremiaBN, the program offers a rare blend of strategic PR, mentorship, and funding access—all designed to transform a promising brand into a national success story. Why This Matters While Nigeria’s startup scene grows, female founders often struggle for visibility. The Unicorn Project flips the script by targeting under-the-radar businesses with high potential but limited resources. As the team notes: “We’re not looking for polished pitches—we want raw talent ready to scale.” The Prize Breakdown The winning brand gets: ₦20M in…

Mrs Ngozi Enite-Okoro, Founder of Tu2minis Global Services Ltd., has issued a powerful call to action for women entrepreneurs: “In today’s competitive landscape, quality and compliance aren’t just checkboxes—they’re your ticket to global markets.” Speaking exclusively to NAN in Abuja, the business leader revealed how regulatory awareness is transforming Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, with 60+ success stories emerging from her workshops—including trademarked brands, CAC-registered businesses, and NAFDAC-certified products. Why Compliance Matters Now More Than Ever Enite-Okoro outlined 5 game-changing benefits of regulatory adherence: Consumer Trust – Certified products attract loyal customers Market Expansion – Compliance opens doors to AfCFTA and UK trade Funding Access – Banks/investors favor structured businesses IP Protection – Safeguards your brand’s uniqueness…

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day pledge materialized today as the Federal Government launched YouthCred, a transformative credit program under CREDICORP, designed to empower young Nigerians with responsible access to loans—starting with 400,000 beneficiaries, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. Why YouthCred Matters  Credit Culture Shift: Moves Nigeria from cash-only mindset to formal credit economy Digital-First Approach: Platform live at www.youthcred.com Education + Access: Mandatory financial literacy training before loan approval First-Tier Beneficiaries: NYSC Corps Members: Loans for relocations, devices, or startups Employed Youth: Credit tailored to entry-level salaries Young Entrepreneurs: Business growth financing By the Numbers  400K Nigerians to benefit in initial phase ₦50B estimated credit injection by…

Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark move for Africa’s insurance sector, British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) CEO Graeme Trudgill concluded a strategic tour of Nigeria—the first by a sitting BIBA chief—to forge alliances that could reshape one of the continent’s most underdeveloped yet high-potential markets. Why Nigeria? The Untapped Opportunity  1% Penetration: Despite a ₦1T (£500M) premium income, 99% of Nigerians lack insurance Digital Leap: Mobile platforms could onboard 40M+ retail clients Broker Dominance: 500+ local brokers control commercial lines, but need tech upgrades Trudgill’s Mission: • Align UK-Nigeria regulatory frameworks • Transfer BIBA’s consumer trust-building playbook Launch cross-border training for 500+ broker firms Key Meetings…

VP heads to Ethiopia with 3-goal plan: Thought leadership, global partnerships & private-sector solutions* Abuja/Addis Ababa – Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Ethiopia for the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit, where Nigeria will push for radical reforms to tackle food insecurity, boost agricultural value chains, and attract critical investments to transform Africa’s food economy. Nigeria’s 3-Pronged Agenda  1. Thought Leadership: Position Nigeria as Africa’s voice on food system innovation 2. Global Partnerships: Align UN/EU funding with local farming priorities 3. Private Sector Mobilization: Shift from government-led to business-driven solutions Key Summit Focus Areas: Coffee Value Chain: Unlocking Nigeria’s untapped $500M export potential Climate-Smart Farming: Drought-resistant…

Lagos, Nigeria – At the Titans of Tech Conference 2025, industry leaders sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s crippling broadband deficit, revealing that 70% of Africans lack reliable internet access—a gap costing Nigeria $15 billion annually in lost economic potential. The Stark Reality of Nigeria’s Digital Divide  Speed & Cost Crisis: Internet speeds 5-10x slower than developed nations Data costs 4x higher per Mbps 40% of ISP expenses spent on diesel for generators  Economic Impact: Every 10% broadband boost = 1.4% GDP growth (World Bank) 30% coverage increase = $19B direct value + $45B multiplier effect Current losses equal 4× combined health/education budgets The Human Toll  “I lost a life-changing opportunity because my internet failed…

Warsaw/Lagos – In a strategic shift that could redraw global oil trade routes, Poland’s PKN Orlen has purchased its first-ever Nigerian crude cargo (130,000 tonnes), set to arrive in mid-October, as Eastern Europe accelerates its move away from Russian energy supplies. Why This Matters  Geopolitical Shift: Poland cut Russian oil imports to 2005 lows in 2023 Market Opportunity: Nigeria’s unsold crude finds new European buyer Economic Boost: Could open $1B+ annual trade corridor Key Quote: “If tests confirm optimal yields, Nigerian crude will become a staple in our diversification strategy.” — Daniel Obajtek, PKN Orlen CEO The Numbers Behind the Deal  130,000 tonnes: Maiden Nigerian shipment volume Mid-October: Expected arrival in…

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s commercial capital is set for its worst power crisis in years as a 25-day planned blackout kicks off, threatening to paralyze businesses, spike energy costs, and wipe out hundreds of billions in economic activity. Why the Lights Are Going Out  Maintenance Work: TCN fixing Omotosho–Ikeja West 330 kV line Duration: July 28 – August 21 (8 am–5 pm daily) Affected Areas: Entire Ikeja Electric coverage zone (most of Lagos) Eko DisCo areas (Lagos Island, Agbara, parts of Ogun) The Staggering Economic Toll  N13 trillion: Lagos’ monthly electricity spend (Official estimate) Manufacturers: Forced to switch to diesel at 4x grid power cost Hospitals/Hotels: Face N50M+/day extra generator expenses DisCo Losses: Ikeja/Eko to forfeit N206B combined…

Lagos, Nigeria – Nigeria’s oil industry is set for a November rebound, with exports scheduled to reach 1.876 million barrels per day (bpd) – the highest level since May 2024 and a 17% increase over last November’s figures, according to latest loading programs. Key Drivers of the Surge  Big Four Grades Lead Recovery: Forcados, Bonga, Bonny Light & Qua Iboe collectively rising to 822,967 bpd (from 728,258 bpd in October) Highest combined output since June 2024  New Production Boost: Egina Field (operated by France’s Total) launching this month Expected to add 200,000 bpd by December First major deepwater expansion in 3 years By the Numbers  1.876M bpd – November export target (59…

Lagos/Dubai – At just 27, Abdul-Qawiyy Hammed has achieved what most spend lifetimes chasing: a luxury watch brand with 565,000+ waitlisted customers, a $1M/day eCommerce record, and a consulting firm charging $250,000 per client. But his journey began with N2,000 airtime sales on the streets of Ibadan. The Making of a Maverick  Age 8: Became family breadwinner after parents’ divorce Age 11: Started with N2,000 airtime hustle Age 13: Invested N40,000 savings into mother’s clothing business Age 19: Hit $1M in single-day eCommerce sales Age 27: ThePhnyxWatches – luxury brand inspired by his phoenix-like rise ThePhnyxWatches Phenomenon: 565K+ global waitlist (bigger than Rolex’s annual production) Expanding into Europe, MENA, and North…

Lagos, Nigeria – At just 30 years old, Josiah Chibueze Mbachu has done what most entrepreneurs only dream of: built a diversified tech empire spanning four industries—and he’s not stopping there. His latest move? A $725,000 acquisition of AI-powered dating platform Matcheggs.com, catapulting his net worth past $20 million and signaling his ambitions to dominate Africa’s $1.2 billion online dating market. From Zero to Empire: Josiah’s Playbook  2018: Launched Uidigitals – now a top digital marketing agency with clients in 4 countries 2021: Founded SpeedyFame.com – monetization platform for African creators 2022: Disrupted luxury transport with Futura Rentals 2024: Acquired Matcheggs.com – AI dating platform with verified users Why Matcheggs? Solves Africa’s trust deficit in online dating with strict…

Uyo, Nigeria – In just two years, Governor Umo Eno’s administration has rewritten Akwa Ibom’s social contract, delivering 205 free homes to vulnerable families, empowering 2,000 entrepreneurs with grants up to ₦5 million, and reaching 477,000 households with food aid – a rare trifecta of humanitarian governance in Nigeria’s current economic climate. By the Numbers: Umo Eno’s Impact (2023–2025)  Housing: 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes built Jobs: 2,000 MSMEs supported with equipment/cash grants Elderly Care: 600 seniors receiving monthly stipends Healthcare: 1,287 elderly/PWDs enrolled in health insurance Education: 243 students with disabilities awarded scholarships Cash Transfers: 27,000+ residents got ₦75,000 federal grants Food Security: 477,000 households fed The Strategy Behind the Results Ministry of Humanitarian…

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has launched a sweeping reform plan to modernize Agricultural Colleges, aiming to bridge the gap between classroom training and real-world climate-smart farming. The move comes as the country battles food inflation and youth unemployment amid climate challenges. Key Reforms Unveiled:  Legislative Overhaul: New bills to align curricula with global best practices COP30 Delegation: Nigerian agri-educators to showcase innovations at the UN Climate Summit in Brazil Funding Push: Senate to advocate for increased budgetary allocations Global Benchmarking: Study tours to Brazil and the EU in 2026 Why This Matters:  Food Security: Nigeria’s agricultural productivity lags behind peers like Brazil and India…

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has introduced the Home and Abroad Housing Scheme, a landmark initiative designed to protect property investments for overseas Nigerians while boosting domestic economic development. Key Features of the Scheme  Fraud-Proof Property Investment: Partnership with First Bank and Federal Mortgage Bank Verified developers and transparent transactions Aims to end scams targeting diaspora homebuyers  Diaspora Data Portal: Tracks Nigerian professionals worldwide Emergency contact system for crises  Upcoming Initiatives: November 2025 Diaspora Investment Summit Diaspora Cities project across 36 states Special mortgage packages for overseas Nigerians Why This Matters  Diaspora Impact: 20M+ Nigerians abroad sent $20B+ in remittances (2024) Many hesitant to…

Lagos, Nigeria – The recent WESGRO Business Networking Seminar has laid the groundwork for transformative economic partnerships between Africa’s two largest economies, with delegates identifying $1B+ trade opportunities across key sectors and a 20% surge in bilateral tourism. Key Summit Takeaways  Strategic Sectors for Collaboration: Agribusiness & Food Processing Renewable Energy Solutions Creative Industries & Digital Innovation Smart Manufacturing & Logistics  Growth Indicators: 60,000+ Nigerian tourists visited SA in 2024 (↑20% YoY) Nigerian e-visa processing now under 48 hours for SA businesses Over 250 Lagos MSMEs export-ready through state programs Leadership Perspectives  Folashade Ambrose (Lagos Trade Commissioner): “Lagos contributes 30% of Nigeria’s GDP. Our industrial plan welcomes…

Lagos, Nigeria – Transcorp Hotels Plc has delivered stellar half-year 2025 results, with 60% revenue growth to ₦47.57 billion and a 71% gross profit increase, powered by its newly launched 5,000-capacity Transcorp Centre event venue. Financial Highlights (H1 2025 vs H1 2024)  Revenue: ₦47.57bn (↑60% from ₦29.72bn) Gross Profit: ₦36.21bn (↑71%) Gross Margin: 76% (Industry-leading) Interim Dividend: ₦1.024bn (₦0.10 per share) Growth Drivers  Transcorp Hilton Abuja: Sustained premium occupancy Transcorp Centre: Africa’s largest corporate venue (5,000 seats) Aura Platform: Digital hospitality expansion Operational Efficiency: Cost optimization strategies Leadership Insights: Emmanuel Nnorom (Chairman): “This performance validates our transformation agenda – combining innovation with excellence to deliver shareholder value.”  Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe (MD/CEO): “We’re…

Umuahia, Nigeria – The Abia State government has officially disassociated itself from an “International Summit on Lands, Estates and Properties” scheduled to hold today in Nsulu kingdom, warning residents and investors that any land transactions conducted outside official channels near the airport project site are illegal and risky. Key Government Positions  No Involvement: State not participating in or organizing the summit Legal Warning: All land deals around airport site must go through Ministry of Lands Compensation Claims: Government insists proper compensation was paid Commissioner’s Statement: Mr. Chaka Ikenna Chukwumerije (Commissioner for Lands and Housing) emphasized: “All land acquisitions for the Abia International Airport project…

Lagos, Nigeria – Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, has made a compelling case for Nigeria’s untapped potential to dominate global tourism, urging a radical shift in narrative ownership during his keynote at the Business Day Tourism Conference. The Perception Paradox  Current Reality: Tourism contributes only 4.5% to Nigeria’s GDP (vs. 9.2% in Kenya) Global media often highlights risks over riches  Hala’s Counter: “Our biggest barrier isn’t insecurity or infrastructure—it’s perception. Nigeria is energy, hustle, and cultural wealth waiting to be showcased.” Nigeria’s Hidden Tourism Gold  Cultural Assets: Ancient Nok terracotta artifacts Historic Benin and Oyo kingdoms 250+ ethnic groups with unique…

Global Stage, African Vision At the UNESCO-UNEVOC Global Forum celebrating World Youth Skills Day, Nigerian tech content creator Ayeni Oluwatobi Dorcas (aka Misstechy) delivered a powerful message: Africa’s youth aren’t just tech consumers—they’re the continent’s best bet to lead the AI revolution. The Hard Truths & Big Opportunities  Reality Check: AI misinformation threatens digital economies (“Fake visuals now indistinguishable”) Gen Z prefers 90-second TikTok tutorials over hour-long lectures Many African youth learn tech through trial/error without structured support  Dorcas’ Solution Framework: Monetize Critical Thinking – Teach digital literacy as economic asset Micro-Learning Hubs – Leverage platforms like TikTok for skill-building Community-Driven AI – Online groups to accelerate hands-on learning From…

Lagos, Nigeria – The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has issued a stark warning: Nigerian SMEs ignoring corporate governance principles face near-certain failure, with 95% collapsing before their fifth anniversary. The Harsh Reality of Nigerian SMEs  50% fail within first year 95% close shop before 5 years Primary cause: Poor governance structures FRC CEO Rabiu Olowo’s Urgent Message: “Governance isn’t bureaucracy – it’s your business armor. SMEs with strong systems manage risks better and attract more opportunities.” What SMEs Are Doing Wrong  Mixing personal & business finances No proper accounting systems Prioritizing connections over compliance Focusing only on short-term gains The Governance Solution: FRC’s Corporate…