Author: Gift Ifeanyi

At the forefront of Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and innovation, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) is championing a transformative approach to higher education—shaping graduates not just with degrees, but with entrepreneurial mindsets capable of driving national growth. Prof. Olufemi Olayemi, the convener and lead speaker at a recent seminar, who holds the Dr. Mike Adenuga (Jnr.) Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurship Studies, articulated a compelling definition of an entrepreneurial mindset. “It is a cognitive orientation that enables individuals to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and persist through challenges to create value,” he explained. He emphasized that cultivating such a mindset…

In a compelling convergence of art, enterprise, and finance, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc Chairman, Mr. Umaru Kwairanga, articulated a powerful vision at the closing gong ceremony of Lagos Fashion Week—one that underscores the shared purpose of the capital market and the creative economy: transforming ideas into enduring value. Held at NGX Limited in Lagos last Friday, the event drew a distinguished crowd, including Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, American superstar Ms. Ciara Wilson, Lagos Fashion Week chairman Mr. Tokunbo Akerele, and NGX Group CEO Mr. Temi Popoola. Their presence underscored the event’s significance as a platform for…

In a significant milestone for Nigeria’s sustainability journey, three innovative startups have been named winners of the National Phase of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) at a prestigious awards ceremony held in Lagos. The event marked the successful conclusion of the programme’s third cohort, highlighting Nigeria’s growing leadership in clean technology innovation. The winners—Allgreen Ivy Limited, One Grid Energies, and Rekool Access Technology—each received cash prizes totaling $32,500 for their pioneering efforts in addressing climate and environmental challenges through technology. Allgreen Ivy Limited emerged as the national champion, securing $10,000 in funding. The startup was also recognized as the…

In a heartfelt gesture reaffirming his dedication to women and youth empowerment, Senator Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto South has donated ₦100,000 to each of 203 women entrepreneurs in Sokoto State. The generous initiative was unveiled during The YHK Vibrant Fair, a lively trade exhibition championed by women entrepreneurs at the K7 Mall in Sokoto. The fair was a vibrant showcase of women-led small businesses, featuring locally produced fashion items, delicious food products, crafts, and beauty accessories. It highlighted the growing influence of women in Sokoto’s entrepreneurial landscape and their vital role in the region’s economic development. Organized by Yasmin Hassan-Kangiwa,…

In a groundbreaking move to strengthen economic resilience and foster sustainable development, Nigeria’s government has officially launched a pioneering platform aimed at deepening the partnership with its private sector. Spearheaded by the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the inaugural session of the Government–Private Sector (GPS) Dialogue Series marked a significant milestone in the nation’s journey toward inclusive growth and shared prosperity. Held amidst a vibrant assembly of industry leaders, government officials, financial institutions, and key stakeholders, the forum—tagged “Finance and SME Growth Roundtable”—took place in Lagos, a bustling hub of business activity. Its primary goal was to…

In a stirring address at the closing ceremony of the Lagos Fashion Week, Mr. Umaru Kwairanga, the chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group Plc, yesterday emphasized the common goal between the capital market and the creative economy: transforming ideas into enduring values. Speaking at the NGX Limited venue, Mr. Kwairanga highlighted the significance of the event as a model for how the capital market can support emerging sectors of the economy. The ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo; American entertainer, Ms. Ciara Wilson; Mr. Tokunbo Akerele, chairman of…

Nigeria’s economic trajectory is gaining momentum, but key stakeholders are being urged to do more to ensure that this growth benefits the nation’s youthful population and burgeoning entrepreneurs. During the 2025 Fellowship Investiture of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, emphasized the critical role of financial institutions in fostering a more inclusive economy. Driving Growth Through Greater Lending Support Addressing an audience of banking professionals, government officials, and industry leaders, Mr. Edun highlighted that Nigeria’s rapid economic expansion—registering over 4% growth—must translate into tangible opportunities…

In the bustling corridors of Nigeria’s business landscape, one name stands out for his relentless drive to transform ideas into impactful realities—Nkem Robert. A seasoned business strategist, tech innovator, and motivational speaker, Nkem’s journey is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. With a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of East London and a diverse background spanning consulting, construction, education, and faith, he’s redefining what it means to build sustainable businesses in Nigeria. Recently, I sat down with Nkem to explore his insights on the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the hurdles they…

In a bold and unprecedented move, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States is considering military intervention in Nigeria, citing the ongoing violence and persecution targeting Christian communities as a critical threat to international stability. Through a post on social media, Trump warned that if Nigeria’s government fails to take decisive action to protect Christians, the U.S. will suspend all aid and may even deploy military forces. “If Nigeria continues to permit the slaughter of Christians, we will immediately halt all assistance and consider taking swift, decisive action,” he declared. “Our Department of Defense has been instructed…

Last week, Minister Manqoba Khumalo led a distinguished delegation to Nigeria, seeking inspiration from one of Africa’s most vibrant industrial success stories: the Lekki Free Trade Zone. This visit marked a significant step in Eswatini’s quest to boost its industrial sector and attract more investment. The Lekki Free Trade Zone, a flagship project in Nigeria, is a testament to what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships. Built through a collaboration between the Lagos State Government and a Chinese investment consortium, the zone features cutting-edge infrastructure—including a deep-water port and a dedicated power plant—designed to support thriving industries like manufacturing,…

In a bold move set to reshape Nigeria’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Global Impact Business Community (GIBC), in collaboration with Trade Lenda, has launched a groundbreaking ₦15 billion SME Growth Fund — a lifeline for thousands of small and medium enterprises ready to scale impact, innovation, and inclusion. The announcement coincides with the opening of applications for the 2025 Impact Conference, slated for November 28–30 in Lagos, a three-day convergence designed not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for enterprise-driven transformation across the country. A New Vision for Empowerment Beyond Capital Unlike traditional funding schemes, the GIBC–Trade Lenda initiative…

The cost of cooking gas in Nigeria has surged to record highs, tightening pressure on households already grappling with a relentless cost-of-living crisis. By late October 2025, the price of a standard 12.5kg cylinder had soared to between ₦15,000 and ₦16,500 — a staggering jump from ₦9,000–₦10,000 just a month earlier. In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, retail surveys revealed that gas was selling between ₦2,500 and ₦3,000 per kilogram, more than double its September rate of ₦1,200–₦1,400. For many families and food vendors, the sudden escalation has turned an essential household item into a luxury. A Crisis at the Crossroads…

In a market long dominated by imported labels, Innocent Onwunali is quietly rewriting the story of Nigeria’s beverage industry. The serial entrepreneur, co-founder of IKI Leads, is proving that locally crafted spirits can rival — and even surpass — international brands in quality, appeal, and cultural relevance. What began as a modest idea between two brothers, Innocent and Ikechukwu Onwunali, has evolved into a thriving enterprise that celebrates Nigerian craftsmanship while challenging global conventions. Their early success with Pasa Bitters signaled the arrival of a new force in the indigenous liquor space — a drink that resonated with both tradition…

When a 30-second promotional video spiraled into one of Nigeria’s loudest social media storms of the month, retail brand Bokku Mart found itself in the center of a national debate on ethnicity, branding, and the growing power of online accountability. The controversy began when a short advert posted to the supermarket’s official social media pages featured a content creator known as Defolah using the phrase “No Omo Igbo can cheat me” while promoting the affordability of the store’s products. What was likely intended as light humor quickly morphed into outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the ad as ethnically insensitive toward…

In a world where imitation often masquerades as innovation, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, the Founder and Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, is championing a radical message — Africa must stop copying and start creating. Speaking in Lagos, Ogundele delivered a fiery critique of what he calls “microwave entrepreneurship” — businesses built for applause instead of purpose. “We cannot afford to do me-too projects,” he warned. “All these copy-and-paste businesses are killing originality. Imitation is not innovation, and imitation always leads to limitation.” For Ogundele, true entrepreneurship is not about chasing trends but setting them. His challenge to African founders is…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is once again shifting the frontiers of industrial ambition — this time with a plan that could make Nigeria home to the largest oil refinery in the world. Barely a year after commissioning his $20 billion Dangote Refinery, the billionaire industrialist revealed his intention to boost production capacity from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to an astonishing 1.4 million bpd. If successful, this expansion would surpass India’s famed Jamnagar Refinery, which currently leads global rankings at 1.36 million bpd. A Vision Beyond Boundaries Speaking in Lagos, Dangote explained that the expansion is not just about…

In a country where red tape often smothers ambition, a quiet revolution is emerging — one powered not by government decrees, but by young innovators determined to rebuild Nigeria’s business ecosystem from the inside out. At the recently concluded Nigerian Economic Summit, the spotlight unexpectedly shifted from high-level economic rhetoric to the voices of a new generation — professionals who see technology not as a tool of convenience, but as a weapon against inefficiency. One such voice, Idris Ayodeji Ibiyemi, stood out with a radical proposition: that Nigeria’s business challenges are not just a matter of poor policy, but of…

The 2025 edition of the Arise Walk for Life and Women Conference, organised by Arise Women, will kick off on Saturday, November 1, and conclude on Sunday, November 2, in Lagos. Founded by Dr. Siju Iluyomade, Arise Women continues its mission of empowering women and supporting the less privileged through health advocacy, education, and social impact initiatives. Now in its 17th year, the annual event is expected to draw thousands of participants both onsite and online from across Nigeria and beyond. Theme: GRIT – Greatness, Resilience, Innovation, and Teamwork This year’s theme, “GRIT: Greatness, Resilience, Innovation, and Teamwork,” embodies the…

A high-level delegation from Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) in Giessen-Friedberg is set to visit Nigeria from November 2 to 14 in a renewed effort to expand bilateral cooperation and boost private-sector development between both nations. The announcement was made by Matthias Leder, Chief Executive Officer of IHK Giessen-Friedberg, during a virtual press briefing also attended by Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s former Minister of Information and the Managing Partner of the public relations firm, Bruit Costaud. Leder highlighted that the upcoming visit would build upon nearly two decades of collaboration between IHK and Nigerian institutions—focusing on vocational training, youth…

In a bold move to redefine higher education, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) is positioning itself as a launchpad for innovation, self-employment, and practical learning — a place where students are not just taught to seek jobs, but to create them. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Skills Acquisition and Employability Training Programme, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye reaffirmed the university’s mission to blend classroom knowledge with real-world application. “Our goal is to cultivate a generation of thinkers who transform ideas into solutions,” he declared. “Entrepreneurship is not merely about owning a business — it’s about curiosity, creativity,…