Author: Gift Ifeanyi

Lagos, Nigeria – At the landmark “Nigeria: NOW” conference hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), stakeholders unveiled a strategic plan to address Nigeria’s protein gap through expanded trade, technology transfer, and sustainable farming practices. With Nigeria’s protein consumption 25% below FAO recommendations, the initiative aims to boost nutrition and economic growth through soybean innovation. Key Takeaways from the Conference  Protein Crisis: Nigerians consume just 45.4g protein/day (vs. 60g FAO minimum) Trade Revival: Nigeria imported 62,100MT of U.S. soybeans in 2024 after 6-year hiatus Poultry Focus: Soy-based feed to strengthen Nigeria’s $4.6B poultry industry Notable Participants: • Former President Olusegun Obasanjo • Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde • Lagos Agriculture Commissioner Abisola Olusanya Why Soybeans Matter  Local…

Lagos, Nigeria – A transformative Venture Grants Bootcamp hosted by Bankable Wisdom, in partnership with Western Union Foundation and American Corner Lekki, has empowered 55 early-stage founders with critical funding access skills—with three participants already securing $5,000 Tony Elumelu grants within weeks. Bootcamp Highlights  Focus: Grant writing, compliance, and business planning for impact-driven ventures Priority Cohort: 50%+ founders serving refugees and IDPs Expert Trainers: Precious Azuonwu (Bankable Wisdom/Western Union Fellow) Fidelis Amaonyeze (Tony Elumelu Foundation alumnus) Proven Impact  3 immediate grant wins ($15,000 total) 220+ applications for 55 slots (showing high demand) Scaling plans: More bootcamps targeting grassroots entrepreneurs Founder’s Vision: “This isn’t charity—it’s about democratizing funding access. Our alumni are proving that knowledge unlocks capital.” —…

Abatete, Nigeria / Kassel, Germany – Chijioke Okonkwo’s journey from a Nollywood props manager to a transnational entrepreneur leading four thriving companies across Nigeria and Germany proves that reinvention and resilience can build empires. The Making of a Multinational Entrepreneur  2010-2018: Nollywood set designer → DJ “Zaga” Earned International Business degree in Ukraine (relocated during 2022 war)  Current Ventures: Goltava Group: Nigeria’s premier door manufacturing company Cargoburg Logistics: Customs clearance & marine operations Goltava Foods: Agro-processing for nutritious staples Kassel Energies: Sustainable energy solutions Secrets to Cross-Continental Success  Tech-Driven: AI tools automate operations across time zones Team Philosophy: “Invest in people; you can’t do it alone” Life…

Lagos, Nigeria – As Nigeria accelerates its shift to cleaner energy, industry leaders will converge at the 2025 Oriental News Nigeria Conference on July 24 to strategize on leveraging the country’s 206TCF gas reserves to power its energy transition. With keynote insights from NLNG and chaired by ex-Power Minister Bart Nnaji, the event aims to bridge policy gaps holding back Nigeria’s gas revolution. Conference Hot Topics  Main Theme: “Integrating Nigeria’s Gas Potentials Into Strategic Energy Transition Initiatives”  Critical Sub-Themes: CNG Adoption: Scaling compressed natural gas for transport (90% of Nigeria’s freight moves by road) Power Sector Fix: Gas-to-power solutions for 90M Nigerians lacking electricity Investor Hurdles: Tackling infrastructure gaps and pricing…

Lagos, Nigeria – At the BusinessDay Sustainable Building Conference, industry leaders sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s unsustainable construction practices, responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, and proposed urgent solutions to transform the sector. Key Challenges Highlighted  Skill Gaps: Artisans lack training in eco-friendly techniques (e.g., laterite blocks, solar installation) Cost Myths: Perception that green buildings are prohibitively expensive despite long-term savings Policy Void: No national Green Building Code, unlike Ghana/South Africa Proposed Solutions  Artisan Upskilling: Government/industry-funded workshops for contractors and builders Local Materials: Promote laterite, bamboo, and recycled concrete to cut emissions Regulatory Push: Draft a Nigerian Green Building Code with REDAN and NESREA Solar Parallel: Replicate solar energy’s cost-success story in…

Manitoba, Canada – Nigerian entrepreneur Adebowale Onafowora is tackling the high cost and poor quality of imported African greens with Bic Farms, a pioneering indoor farm in Canada growing indigenous Nigerian vegetables year-round using hydroponics. Why This Matters  Solves Import Woes: Ends reliance on wilted, $10/kg shipments from Nigeria Provides fresh ugu, bitter leaf, and scent leaf to diaspora communities Tech-Driven Farming: Vertical hydroponic systems ensure pesticide-free, consistent yields Overcomes Canada’s climate limitations for tropical crops Onafowora’s Vision: “This isn’t just farming—it’s preserving cultural connections through food security.” Market Potential  Price Drop: Aims to slash costs by 60% vs. imports Diaspora Demand: Targets 200K+ Nigerians in Canada Scalability: Model could expand to US/UK markets

Lagos, Nigeria – The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has called on startups and small businesses to institutionalize governance frameworks from inception, warning that operational informality jeopardizes long-term viability and investor confidence. Why Governance Matters for SMEs  Critical Structures Needed: Decision-making protocols Internal audit systems Compliant financial records Strategic Advantage: Formalization attracts investors and prevents regulatory pitfalls Funmi Ekundayo (Outgoing ICSAN President): “Governance isn’t bureaucracy—it’s the scaffold that turns hustles into institutions. A ‘table-and-chair’ startup today needs systems to become a conglomerate tomorrow.” Nigeria’s Economic Outlook  Reform Potential: Backs Tinubu’s macroeconomic shifts but demands: • Power/agriculture investments to diversify from oil • Inflation control (currently…

Nnewi, Nigeria – In a bold move to reshape perceptions, industrial pioneer Cutix PLC has partnered with Afia TV to sponsor Onye Afia TV Season 2—a platform championing Igbo entrepreneurship while assuring investors of the Southeast’s improving security and business climate. Key Highlights  Media Partnership: Cutix PLC sponsors first Igbo-focused business show on DSTV/GOTV Daily 30-minute episodes to spotlight grassroots entrepreneurs from July 7  Security Assurance: Ambassador Okwudili Nwosu (Cutix co-founder) debunks “overblown” insecurity narratives Credits community-security collaborations for stability in Anambra/Enugu  Industrial Appeal: Nnewi (Cutix’s base) cited as model of indigenous manufacturing success Call to leverage Southeast’s: • 40%+ contribution to Nigeria’s informal economy • Diaspora networks for investment Why This Matters  Economic Revival: Aims to reverse 30%…

Abuja, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared human capital investment Nigeria’s top development priority, urging swift passage of six bills to establish specialized universities during a critical Senate hearing on tertiary education. Key Proposals Under Review  Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua Addresses AI/robotics disruption in healthcare (Sponsor: Sen. Dandutse)  Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi Focus: STEM innovation for industrial growth Federal University of Education (Special), Oyo First disability-focused varsity in Sub-Saharan Africa (Sponsor: Sen. Akintunde) Why This Matters  Demographic Imperative: Nigeria’s median age is 18.1; needs 2M+ new jobs/year Current 43% youth unemployment demands skill realignment  Future-Proofing Careers: Sen. Dandutse’s Warning: AI could displace 40% of medical…

Lagos, Nigeria – A Nigerian entrepreneur’s viral video has exposed the hidden risks of social media vetting at U.S. borders, after she was deported despite holding a valid B1/B2 visa, with immigration officers citing “inconsistent” Instagram activity as evidence of visa violation. What Happened?  The Trip: Traveled to Texas for a trade fair and client meetings The Rejection: Detained for 24 hours at port of entry Officers scrutinized: • Business conversations in her Instagram DMs • Public posts about product pickups Ruled her activities exceeded “tourism/business meetings” Why This Matters  Growing Trend: U.S. now routinely screens travelers’ social histories B1/B2 Trap: Visa allows meetings but forbids “work” – a vague distinction Global Pattern: Developing nation…

Lagos/Johannesburg – The Financial Times’ 2024 Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies ranking reveals Nigeria and South Africa’s economic dominance, with 79 combined entries—led by fintech giants PalmPay, Moniepoint, and Paymenow. The list highlights both nations’ entrepreneurial strength and the challenges smaller economies face in scaling continentally. Top Performers  Nigeria’s Trio Leads: Omniretail Inc. (Retail tech) – Secured $20M Series A for West Africa expansion PalmPay Ltd (Fintech) – Only firm operating in >3 African markets Remedial Health (Healthtech) – Scaling BNPL pharmacy services  South Africa’s Standouts: Paymenow Group (5th) – Expanding to Pakistan’s retail/logistics sectors Gobid Pty Ltd (6th) – E-commerce innovator Drive24 Pty Ltd (9th) – Automotive marketplace Key Trends  Funding Drought: African startups…

Lagos, Nigeria – The Youth Economic Intervention and De-Radicalisation Empowerment Programme (YEIDEP) has reached a critical milestone, with Union Bank completing account collection and now verifying beneficiaries’ BVNs ahead of N50,000–N500,000 grant disbursements. Key Updates  Union Bank Leads: First to complete beneficiary account collation BVN Verification: Ensures only legitimate applicants receive funds (prevents fraud) Next Steps: Successful verifications to trigger first batch payments Other Banks (Access, Zenith, FirstBank, UBA): Still in document review phase About YEIDEP Goal: Tackle youth unemployment via grants/skills (backed by FMYD & Senate) Eligibility: Young entrepreneurs/MSMEs in all 774 LGAs Impact: Aims to lift 50,000+ youths out of poverty annually Action Steps for Applicants  Confirm BVN-bank details match (mismatches cause disqualification)…

Lagos, Nigeria – In a game-changing move for Nigeria’s energy sector, Dangote Group will deploy 4,000 fuel trucks starting August 15, 2025, creating Africa’s largest private fuel distribution network. This N720 billion investment promises to transform supply chains, slash costs, and extend energy access to rural communities. 5 Key Impacts of Dangote’s Fuel Logistics Revolution 1. Supply Chain Overhaul Vertical integration: Direct refinery-to-market deliveries bypass middlemen 100+ service hubs planned nationwide for maintenance and storage Targets 40% reduction in logistics costs (currently ~30% of fuel prices) 2. Rural Energy Access Will service 120+ underserved communities in first phase Expected to stabilize supplies in regions facing 60-day fuel shortages…

Key Highlights: ACCI hails signing of four landmark tax bills as major boost for business climate Reforms eliminate multiple taxation, streamline administration and exempt small businesses (<₦50m turnover) Chamber urges clarity on provisions affecting professional services VAT retention at 7.5% and essential goods exemptions welcomed Why It Matters: The tax overhaul represents Nigeria’s most significant fiscal reforms in decades, aiming to: ✓ Reduce compliance burdens ✓ Attract investment ✓ Support SME growth (80% of businesses) ✓ Increase government revenue through broader base Expert Perspective: “These changes address longstanding private sector complaints, but success depends on consistent implementation across all tiers…

Lagos/Ekiti, Nigeria – In a major boost for Nigeria’s education sector, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Ekiti State University will host intensive international training programmes this July focused on digital transformation, leadership and innovation. Programme Details  UNILAG Session: July 21-25 Ekiti State University: July 28 – August 1 Organized by: Professors Without Borders + local faculty Focus Areas: Social entrepreneurship African finance systems AI tools & research methodology Policy solution development Why This Matters  200+ students/faculty to gain hands-on training Faculty development – local professors to learn international teaching methods Career impact: Past participants secured jobs at top firms or launched startups Aligned with Nigeria’s Vision 2030 human capital goals Dr. Bob…

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed education as Nigeria’s most powerful tool for unlocking national potential and driving socio-economic progress. Speaking at Pacesetters’ School graduation ceremony in Abuja, the statesman emphasized that an educated populace fosters unity and resilience against divisive forces. Key Highlights from Atiku’s Address  Education as Equalizer: Called for increased funding and entrepreneurship-focused curricula Stressed education’s role in his personal success story Highlighted 1961 experience with US Peace Corps teachers as transformative  Institutional Impact: Advocated for curriculum modernization (citing American model inspiration) Praised NYSC’s nation-building role, comparing it to US Peace Corps  School’s Vision:…

Abuja, Nigeria – The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has joined the nation in mourning the demise of renowned business magnate and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away on Saturday. In a heartfelt tribute, the party hailed the late industrialist as a “rare gem” whose legacy transcends commerce to encompass nation-building and humanitarian service. A Life of Impact: Dantata’s Enduring Legacy  Business Trailblazer Founded Express Petroleum and Gas Company Ltd (major player in Nigeria’s oil sector) Key promoter of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s pioneer non-interest (Islamic) bank Scion of the legendary Dantata trading dynasty of Kano  Nation Builder Served as Commissioner for Planning/Trade (1967-1973) under Gov. Audu Bako Member, Northern…

Zaria, Nigeria – In a major boost for youth entrepreneurship, Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has unveiled a ₦100 million start-up fund for graduates of vocational and ICT training programs in his Zaria constituency. The announcement came during the graduation ceremony at the Zainab Ahmed ICT/Vocational Centre, marking his second anniversary as Speaker. Key Highlights of the Initiative  ₦100M Seed Fund: Direct financial support for graduates to launch businesses Skills Focus: ICT, digital marketing, app development, and vocational trades Global Vision: Speaker emphasized how technology erases geographical barriers for Nigerian youth Speaker Abbas’ Inspiration: “True progress begins in classrooms and skills centers. With just…

Lagos, Nigeria – In a bold move to position Nigerian businesses as continental leaders, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO) Africa has announced its second Made-in-Nigeria Export Seminar, scheduled for July 22, 2025 at De Rembrandt Hotel, Ikeja. The event comes as Africa’s combined GDP nears $3.4 trillion, creating unprecedented opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Why This Seminar Matters  Proven Track Record: First edition successfully connected agribusiness, fashion, and tech entrepreneurs with continental buyers Market-Ready Infrastructure: NIDO has established: Pre-approved marketing channels in key African countries Vetted distribution partnerships Regulatory compliance roadmaps for 15+ markets  Sector Focus: Targets Nigeria’s competitive edges: Agriculture (premium export markets)…

Gombe, Nigeria – In a significant boost for grassroots entrepreneurship, the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has empowered 100 women across Gombe State with N50,000 business grants each, totaling N5 million in direct funding. The initiative, launched Sunday at Gombe International Hotel, targets women micro-entrepreneurs in all 11 local government areas of the state. Key Details of the Empowerment Drive  Financial Injection: N50,000 seed capital per beneficiary Statewide Reach: Women selected from all LGAs Sustainable Model: Grants structured as “seed money” for business startups/expansion Engr. Aliyu Mohammed Kombat (Founder, represented by Adamu Aliyu Ibrahim): “This is more than cash—it’s a catalyst for self-reliance. We’ve strategically chosen women with viable business plans to ensure multiplier effects in their…