Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Jimoh Ibrahim, the senator for Ondo South Senatorial District and the chairman/chief executive officer of Global Fleet Group, has been announced as one of the keynote speakers for the Cambridge Africa Business Conference (CABC), set to take place on May 17, 2025 at the prestigious Cambridge Jude Business School. Since its inception in 2012, CABC has become a renowned platform for Africa’s most innovative thinkers, industry leaders, and global influencers. This year’s conference promises to be no different, bringing together a powerful lineup of visionaries who are shaping the future of the African business landscape. The conference organizers highlighted the…

In a bold move to address the growing digital divide, Nigerian tech entrepreneur Wale Atekoja has launched BorderlessTek’s Kids Coding Partnership, a transformative initiative designed to provide coding and software development skills to underprivileged schoolchildren in Lagos. This is more than just another corporate social responsibility project. It’s a deeply human-centered response to the digital exclusion that continues to marginalize low-income children in Nigeria, preventing them from accessing the opportunities of the global technology revolution. “We’ve been teaching Black kids in Europe how to code, but what about those back home?” says Wale Atekoja, known on social media as @AtexXeta.…

Adewumi-Zer Adeolu, a renowned Afro-optimist and global strategist, has spent over 25 years championing African excellence. As the founder of ZER Consulting Africa and the internationally best-selling author of Afro-Optimism Unleashed, Adeolu is dedicated to empowering African leaders and businesses to achieve sustainable growth and meaningful impact. Having successfully led strategic growth initiatives across Africa and globally, Adeolu’s insights have earned her numerous accolades. In an exclusive interview with Kenneth Athekame, she shares her views on Nigeria’s economy, the importance of financial inclusion, and the role of the informal sector in driving growth. On the Current State of Nigeria’s Economy:…

In any thriving economy, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the unsung heroes. In Nigeria, they’re not just the backbone of the economy — they are its lifeblood. These small businesses and entrepreneurs drive job creation, fuel innovation, and keep the wheels of Nigeria’s economy in constant motion. Yet, despite their immense contributions, MSMEs face an overwhelming barrier: access to funding. MSMEs account for a staggering 96% of Nigeria’s businesses, employing over 80% of the workforce. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), they also contribute nearly…

In a significant move toward reshaping Nigeria’s financial future, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, engaged in a high-profile discussion with world-renowned economist and Nobel laureate, Dr. James Robinson, at a strategic policy forum aimed at defining Nigeria’s monetary path and global financial integration. The event, which attracted top policymakers, financial experts, and global stakeholders, was highlighted in a statement shared via the CBN’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday. A New Era of Monetary Discipline Cardoso, speaking with clarity and conviction, outlined the CBN’s renewed commitment to transparency, stability, and orthodox monetary policies, signaling…

Fuel importers in Nigeria may be facing their final days, as local refining takes center stage and reshapes the country’s petroleum landscape. This bold prediction comes from the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria (CORAN), who say that importers resisting the shift toward homegrown refining are risking extinction. The warning comes amid renewed government support for the naira-for-crude oil deal, a policy that allows Nigerian refineries like Dangote’s to purchase crude oil using the local currency. The deal had been temporarily suspended following backlash from fuel importers, but has now been reinstated by presidential order. Importers Sound the Alarm—but…

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has been honoured with the prestigious title of “Major Oil Company of the Year 2023” by Energy Times, a leading Nigerian energy publication. The award recognises SNEPCo’s pioneering efforts and sustained excellence in Nigeria’s deep-water oil and gas development. The event, which gathered key players and stakeholders in the oil and gas sector, also celebrated Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, the company’s former Managing Director, with the title of “Amazon of Nigeria’s Oil Sector 2024.” Mrs. Aiboni is currently on an international assignment in Brunei. A Celebration of Excellence and Leadership The awards were received…

In a strategic shift that bodes well for Nigeria’s oil export ambitions, Turkey’s largest refinery, Tüpraş, has placed fresh orders for Nigerian crude, with deliveries scheduled for March and April. This move positions Tüpraş—a key player in the global refining industry—as a new and significant buyer of Nigerian oil, reinforcing Nigeria’s efforts to ramp up exports and meet its 2025 budget goals. A Strategic Win for Nigeria’s Economy With crude oil contributing approximately 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and expected to fund 56% of the federal budget this year, the new order from Tüpraş could provide crucial support to…

Nigeria boasts a vibrant tea culture, one that blends tradition with modern-day influences. While tea is enjoyed throughout the day, it remains deeply embedded in the social fabric of the country, often shared among friends and family in a relaxed, informal manner. Though not as ritualistic as some tea cultures, the Nigerian tea-drinking tradition thrives in casual gatherings, making it a staple in everyday life. However, Nigeria’s tea scene is now being transformed by TeaStoria, a groundbreaking brand that is redefining how tea is consumed in the country. Founded by a dynamic family of entrepreneurs — Raliat Akinlolu, Saula Akinlolu,…

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…