Author: Gift Ifeanyi

The Federal University of Oye Ekiti recently honored Femi Owoeye, founder and editor of Motoring World International, for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s engineering sector through the media. Owoeye received the recognition at the 2025 induction ceremony for Graduate Engineers and the fifth Professor Chinedu Nebo Faculty Lecture, held at the Faculty of Engineering Hall at the Federal University Oye Ekiti. Prof. O. Akinsanmi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, presented the award, praising Owoeye’s efforts in advancing automobile engineering in Nigeria. Through Motoring World International, a publication Owoeye founded nearly three decades ago, he has not only promoted the…

Bukky Asehinde is a passionate advocate for African creative entrepreneurs, striving to position them for success on the global stage. As the founder of Bellafricana, she has created a powerful platform that showcases the best of African creativity and supports entrepreneurs across various sectors, including fashion, art, beauty, and lifestyle. Bellafricana is a tech-enabled community that provides African creative entrepreneurs with visibility, business support, and growth opportunities. The platform enables its members to increase sales, gain the necessary structure for business development, and access markets beyond their local borders. Under Bukky’s leadership, Bellafricana has grown into a dynamic network, amassing…

ActionSA has called for the immediate deportation of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, accusing him of exploiting South Africa’s citizens under the guise of faith and religious leadership. The party has voiced its opposition to individuals like Omotoso, who are allegedly using the platform of religion to commit heinous crimes and deceive vulnerable communities. The party’s statement emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between foreign nationals who enter South Africa legally and contribute positively to the country, and those who exploit the system for personal gain. Omotoso, who has been accused of serious criminal offenses including human trafficking, sexual assault, and racketeering…

JP Morgan is advancing plans to upgrade its Lagos representative office into a full-service business branch, as part of a larger strategy to expand its footprint across Africa. According to Africa Intelligence, the US-based bank, which has operated in Nigeria since the 1980s, is preparing to apply for a merchant banking license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the coming months. Expanding Beyond Advisory and Asset Management Under the leadership of Dayo Olagunju, JP Morgan’s Nigeria manager, the financial institution aims to broaden its services beyond advisory and asset management to include dollar-denominated loans for large corporations. In…

In celebration of International Women’s Month, AACE Foods Processing and Distribution Limited has partnered with Just Theatre House to support and uplift female small-scale food retailers. This initiative underscores AACE Foods’ dedication to strengthening women-led businesses, promoting economic resilience, and ensuring access to quality nutrition. Supporting Small-Scale Retailers A major highlight of the event was AACE Foods’ direct support for 10 small-scale female food retailers, each receiving AACE Foods products worth N50,000. This initiative aims to: Enhance their businesses Improve product availability Contribute to sustainable community growth Women play a vital role in Nigeria’s retail sector but often face challenges…

“It is better with us.” That tagline encapsulates the vision behind Whatadeal, the newly rebranded platform formerly known as Deelaa. Owned by SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, the company behind Remita and HumanManager, Whatadeal is stepping into Nigeria’s digital commerce scene with an ambitious goal: to offer unbeatable deals across travel, events, and e-commerce. At a press conference on March 28, 2025, in Oniru, Lagos, SystemSpecs announced the transformation, emphasizing a commitment to providing top-tier consumer experiences. A Vision for Premium Deals and Unmatched Value The launch event saw the attendance of key industry leaders, including: Emmanuel Ocholi, Chairman of Whatadeal Limited…

The American Business Council (ABC) Nigeria, in collaboration with Built4Balance (B4B), has successfully concluded the B4B Revenue Xcelerator Pilot Program in 2025. This initiative was designed to equip startups and scaling businesses within ABC Nigeria’s Associate Category Membership with the tools and strategies needed to optimize sales engines and drive sustainable growth. A Strategic Approach to Revenue Growth Margaret Olele, CEO of ABC Nigeria, highlighted the program’s mission: 💬 “This comprehensive initiative is designed to help startups and scaling businesses develop and optimise scalable sales engines, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed for sustainable growth.” The program focused…

The Elite Youths of Anam Foundation (EYAF) has issued a passionate appeal for increased efforts in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development to empower young people and drive economic growth in Anambra State. This call to action follows the graduation of 43 youths from Anam at the inaugural Industrial Skill Acquisition and Applications Centre (ISAAC), hosted by Onitsha Business School (OBS). The event marked a significant step toward harnessing youth potential for economic transformation in Anambra West Local Government Area and beyond. Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs In a joint statement by EYAF President Dr. Christopher Anekwe, Secretary JohnPaul Udoba,…

Tony Elumelu, renowned Nigerian billionaire, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, has been appointed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s newly established Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth. Elumelu joins an elite group of global leaders, including Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, and Reema Al-Saud, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. Together, they will shape policies that drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable private sector-led economic growth. A Global Initiative for Economic Growth The council was created by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to support macroeconomic stability and enhance growth strategies across the IMF’s 191 member nations. By leveraging insights from global business…

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government officials gathered in Abuja to celebrate the 50th birthday of Sim Shagaya, the visionary entrepreneur behind Konga, uLesson, DealDey, and Miva University. Among the notable figures honoring Shagaya were Chalya Shagaya, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Entrepreneurship, and Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, who praised his innovative contributions to Nigeria’s digital and educational landscape. A Tech Visionary and Bold Thinker Chalya Shagaya described her brother as one of Nigeria’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, recognizing his efforts in transforming e-commerce, education, and online learning. “Sim redefined online shopping in Nigeria with Konga and…

Healthtracka, a leading healthcare company in Nigeria, is set to host the Banking on Women’s Health Conference (BWHC) on May 3rd, 2025, at the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in transforming women’s healthcare in Nigeria. Alongside the conference, the Banking on Women’s Health Innovation Award will also be launched to spotlight transformative solutions for women’s health across the nation. A Movement for Women’s Health Under the theme “Improving Women’s Health One Conversation at a Time,” the BWHC will bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, innovators, and advocates to address the pressing health challenges…

The 2025 Lagos Tourism NBC Trade Fair is set to become Nigeria’s largest trade and commerce gathering, with expectations to reach N5 billion in sales, feature over 220 vendors, and attract an estimated 75,000 attendees over three days. The second edition of this exciting event is a partnership between Naija Brand Chick and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, with a focus on leveraging entertainment to boost trade. The fair will be held from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13 at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Government Commitment to SMEs Mr. Idris Aregbe,…

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State recently welcomed members of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) in Awka, Nigeria, marking the beginning of a transformative initiative that is set to reshape the economic landscape of the South East region. This initiative, known as the South East Venture Capital Programme (SEVCP), is a visionary project designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of the region’s youth. The SEVCP is spearheaded by Mark Okoye, the Executive Director of SEDC, with a clear ambition to make the South East of Nigeria the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2030. Okoye emphasized that the programme’s…

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN) is set to host the 2025 Africa Company of the Year (ACOY) Competition in Abuja this December. This prestigious event, a flagship initiative by JA Africa, will bring together some of the brightest young entrepreneurs from across Africa to compete for the coveted Africa Company of the Year title. The ACOY competition provides a vital platform for student innovators to develop and pitch their business ideas, receive mentorship, and gain international exposure. It brings together industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to support student-led ventures and foster growth in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A Platform for Innovation and…

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has hailed the inaugural “Made in Benue Products Exhibition” as a powerful statement on the modernization and industriousness of local entrepreneurs. Speaking at the IBB Square Makurdi, the venue of the exhibition, on Wednesday, the governor emphasized that the event signifies a significant step in the state’s economic rejuvenation and industrial advancement. “This exhibition brings our entrepreneurs’ productions to the public spotlight, showcasing their potential to sponsors, investors, and the broader market,” Gov. Alia said. A Breakthrough for Economic Growth The governor highlighted the challenges his administration inherited, including years of neglect and…

A recent report by the Gates Foundation has revealed significant financial challenges faced by Nigerian women in realizing their entrepreneurial ambitions. The study, which surveyed 100,000 women across Nigeria, highlighted the persistent funding gaps that hinder the growth and establishment of businesses by female entrepreneurs. Funding Barriers for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs According to the report, 34% of Nigerian women aspire to either own or expand a business, yet many are unable to achieve these goals due to limited access to funding. A startling 62% of respondents identified the lack of start-up capital as the primary barrier to starting or scaling…

Cassava, a staple crop in Africa, is gaining new recognition as a global food ingredient, thanks to the vision of Tony Bello, founder of Shine Bridge Global. A Nigerian-born food scientist based in the United States, Bello is leveraging his expertise in snack innovation to bring cassava-based products to international markets. Cassava’s Potential in the Global Food Industry Cassava, a root crop similar in appearance to a large sweet potato, is widely grown across Africa, with Nigeria as the world’s leading producer. The crop can be processed into cassava flour, starch, ethanol, and glucose syrup, making it a versatile and…

In a landmark infrastructure deal, Adebayo Ogunlesi, chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), is leading BlackRock’s $23 billion acquisition of Panama Canal’s key port operations. The move marks BlackRock’s largest infrastructure investment and strengthens its global logistics footprint. Strategic Takeover of Panama’s Ports BlackRock, a global asset management firm, is acquiring two ports at either end of the Panama Canal, along with over 40 others, from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison. The Balboa and Cristóbal ports, crucial to international shipping, will now be managed by GIP in partnership with Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino downplayed…

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo is set to invest $700 million in Cameroon’s Kribi deep-sea port, aiming to boost cross-border trade between Nigeria and Cameroon. His company, Obasanjo Agro-Allied Business Ltd (OABL), will operate across agriculture, maritime transport, hospitality, and oil sectors. Key Highlights of the Investment Expansion of Agricultural Ventures OABL will cultivate maize and soybeans on 610 hectares to support its livestock business. The company will distribute wholesale fertilizers and develop packaging factories. Enhancing Maritime and Logistics Services Maritime services will help reduce congestion at Nigeria’s Apapa and Lekki ports. Plans include oil and gas storage facilities for…

Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Bayo Ojulari, a former Shell executive, as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Ltd. This move is part of Tinubu’s strategy to revamp Nigeria’s oil sector, increase oil production, and restore refining capacity. Key Appointments and Changes Ojulari replaces Mele Kyari, with the appointment taking immediate effect. Previously served as: Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Africa Energy Co., which acquired Shell’s onshore assets in Nigeria. Head of Shell Nigeria’s exploration unit. New 11-member NNPC board appointed to enhance reforms and boost efficiency in the sector.…