Raheem Akingbolu
As artificial intelligence accelerates across global markets, the question for Nigeria is no longer whether AI will shape its future, but whether its digital infrastructure can keep pace. At the centre of this conversation is聽Gary聽Chomse, Regional Director for Central and Southern Africa at聽Vertiv, a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions.

With oversight of fast-growing African markets, Chomseworks closely with data centre operators, enterprises and technology partners to design power and cooling systems capable of supporting next-generation AI workloads. His perspective blends global insight with regional realities, from Nigeria鈥檚 expanding cloud ecosystem to the practical constraints of power availability and climate.

In this interview with聽Raheem Akingbolu of 糖心视频,聽Chomse聽discusses the rising pressure AI places on Nigeria鈥檚 data centre infrastructure, lessons from more mature global markets, and what it will take for the country to build resilient, AI-ready capacity that can drive long-term economic competitiveness.聽Excerpts.

How would you describe the current status of AI in Nigeria, and what does that mean for digital infrastructure demand?

Nigeria is rapidly emerging as one of Africa鈥檚 digital leaders. A youthful, digitally fluent population, growing tech ecosystem and a larger-than-ever economy are together creating intense demand for cloud, connectivity and advanced compute – the exact ingredients AI needs to scale. Recent market assessments show strong growth in local data centre investment and cloud adoption, with hubs in cities such as Lagos accounting for the bulk of capacity. 

This is great news for innovation, but it also exposes a gap. AI workloads are compute- and power-hungry and their growth is outpacing local capacity. While Nigeria鈥檚 market is expanding quickly – with forecasts pointing to a sizeable data centre market over the next five years – the country still needs more scalable, AI-ready infrastructure that can be deployed fast and operate efficiently in challenging power and environment conditions. 

How does AI intensify pressure on power and cooling infrastructure in Nigeria鈥檚 data centres?

AI workloads put a very different level of strain on data centre infrastructure. Unlike traditional IT environments, AI requires extremely high-density compute that runs continuously, driving sharp increases in power consumption and heat generation within a smaller physical footprint.

In Nigeria, this pressure is amplified by real-world conditions. Power availability can be inconsistent; grid capacity is constrained in key urban centres; and energy costs are rising. At the same time, Nigeria鈥檚 climate means cooling systems must work harder and more efficiently to maintain stable operating conditions. AI accelerates all of these challenges at once.

To support AI reliably, data centres must move beyond conventional designs. At Vertiv, we see three immediate priorities: deploy modular, AI-ready capacity where demand is highest; design for resiliency and energy efficiency to manage operating costs and carbon footprint; and enable a rapid path to capacity through prefabricated, modular solutions so businesses don鈥檛 wait months for critical compute. Those approaches directly address the urgency created by escalating AI workloads and constrained local capacity.

What lessons can Nigeria take from more mature AI data-centre markets globally?

More mature AI data-centre markets show that success is less about scale and more about designing for high-density, efficiency and speed right from the start. In regions where AI adoption has accelerated fastest, operators have prioritised infrastructure that can support very high-power densities, advanced cooling and rapid scalability without compromising reliability.

One clear lesson for Nigeria is the value of planning for AI readiness early. Retrofitting legacy facilities to support AI is often costly and disruptive, whereas modular, prefabricated and AI-ready designs allow capacity to be deployed quickly and expanded as demand grows. This approach also reduces time to market, which is increasingly critical as organisations compete on AI capability.

Another important takeaway is the integration of energy efficiency and system-level thinking into every design decision. Markets leading the race to AI tend to treat efficient power and thermal management not just as efficiency goals, but as economic necessities. For Nigeria, where power availability and operating costs are ongoing concerns, this will be essential to making AI viable at scale.

Finally, more mature markets demonstrate the importance of strong ecosystems. Close collaboration between technology providers, data centre operators, utilities and regulators help keep pace with innovation. Nigeria has the opportunity to apply these lessons now and build an AI-ready data centre landscape that is resilient, scalable and globally competitive from day one.

How are emerging technologies like AI, 5G and edge computing influencing 痴别谤迟颈惫鈥檚 approach to data centre design and deployment?

These technologies are transforming deployment strategies. Customers need infrastructure that鈥檚 flexible, fast to deploy and easy to scale. At Vertiv, we鈥檙e responding with modular building blocks like Vertiv OneCore hybrid, prefabricated solution, which allows for repeatable, factory-integrated solutions that can be customised for specific workloads, locations or regulations. This approach lowers risk, accelerates time-to-AI and promotes standardisation across regions, a key advantage in fast-developing markets like Africa.

Vertiv OneCore represents the convergence of two established approaches to data centre development: the traditional brick-and-mortar build and prefabricated modular construction. Traditional builds allow for highly customised, large-scale facilities, but they often require long lead times and more complex project management. Prefabricated modular construction, on the other hand, leverages pre-engineered. factory-built modules for power, cooling and IT infrastructure that are shipped to site for rapid assembly, providing quicker deployment, quality control and improved cost predictability. 

Vertiv OneCore combines the two methodologies together into a single, integrated platform, combining the scale and robustness of conventional builds with the speed, flexibility and efficiency of modular deployment. This hybrid approach enables organisations to bring capacity online more quickly, reduce project risk, optimise costs through repeatable modular design and maintain the adaptability needed to support evolving requirements such as AI workloads, edge computing, and responsible business goals.

How is Vertiv approaching the growing demands of AI infrastructure and digital transformation particularly in African markets? What are some of the company鈥檚 key initiatives in this space?

We鈥檙e deeply invested in enabling AI infrastructure through partnerships and innovation. Collaborations with technology leaders such as NVIDIA and PNY Technologies help us optimise power and cooling for AI clusters. We鈥檝e also expanded our portfolio with solutions like Vertiv 360AI, our portfolio of power, cooling and service solutions that solve the complex challenges arising from the AI revolution, and Vertiv EnergyCore Grid, our battery energy storage system (BESS) offering, which bring efficiency and intelligence to every layer of the data centre. 

Beyond technology, we鈥檙e focused on sharing our expertise and supporting continuous learning, through initiatives like our continent-wide AI Innovation roadshows, technical webinars and regional events, like our AI Roadshow in Lagos earlier in 2025, to share knowledge and accelerate adoption.

If Nigeria gets AI infrastructure right, what does that mean for economic growth and global competitiveness?

If Nigeria gets AI infrastructure right, the impact goes far beyond technology and can have a positive effect on the economy. Reliable, AI-ready digital infrastructure enables faster innovation, higher productivity and the creation of new services across sectors such as finance, telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing and the public sector.

From a competitiveness perspective, local AI capacity reduces dependence on offshore compute, improves data sovereignty and lowers latency for digital services.

At a national level, AI-ready infrastructure supports skills development and high-value job creation, helping to retain talent and position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced digital services. Countries that invest early in resilient power, efficient cooling and scalable data centre capacity are the ones that capture long-term value from AI. Nigeria has the scale, the talent and the market demand to be one of those leaders.

Raheem Akingbolu

The recent acquisition of Matna Foods Company Limited by Agbeyewa Industries Limited, an agribusiness subsidiary of Cavista Holdings, represents a strategic intervention in Nigeria鈥檚 cassava value chain鈥攐ne that goes beyond ownership change to address long-standing structural gaps in production, processing, and industrial utilization.

Cassava is one of Nigeria鈥檚 most abundant and strategic crops, yet the sector has historically suffered from weak integration between farming and processing, leading to inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and limited value capture for farmers.

Cavista Holdings鈥� investment in Matna Foods is designed to help close this gap by linking large-scale cassava cultivation with established industrial processing capacity, creating a more resilient and efficient value chain.

Through Agbeyewa, which operates Nigeria鈥檚 largest cassava farm, Cavista Holdings has built a strong production base and an innovative in-grower/out-grower scheme that brings thousands of farmers into a reliable, well-organised supply network.

Matna Foods brings over two decades of processing experience and technical expertise in producing international-standard cassava starch for food and industrial use. Together, they form an integrated platform capable of stabilising supply, expanding processing capacity and reducing reliance on imports.

Chairman of Cavista Holdings, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, said the investment reflects Cavista鈥檚 long-term approach to value creation:

鈥淐avista has a strong history of identifying under-utilised or distressed assets and repositioning them for sustainable growth. The iconic Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, (which was transformed from an abandoned resort into the best holiday resort in Nigeria) is proof of our ability. Our investment in Matna Foods follows this same discipline鈥攕trengthening capacity, improving efficiency, and creating jobs, jobs, jobs.

This is how we build businesses that deliver real economic impact while supporting food security and industrial development.鈥�

Beyond processing, the acquisition is expected to have a direct impact on farmers by increasing cassava offtake, providing more predictable demand, and strengthening rural livelihoods, especially for smallholder and out-grower farmers across the Southwest.

Importantly, Matna Foods remains fully operational and open for business, with plans underway to scale capacity, modernise operations where required, and deepen engagement with farmers, suppliers, and industrial customers.

Raheem Akingbolu

The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Petroleum Engineers (NIPetE), Engr. Dr. Yetunde Aladeitan, FNSE, has stated that Nigeria鈥檚 energy future must move decisively beyond crude dependency toward value-driven, innovation-led growth.

Aladeitan, an Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering, who also doubles as the Director, Energy Research Center at the University of Abuja, gave the advice while hosting the 2026 NIPetE Oil and Gas Symposium in Abuja.

As Chair of NIPetE, an association that has increasingly positioned itself as a thought-leadership hub where policy, engineering, and investment intersect, Dr. Aladeitan said her current position has further given her an insight into what she described as ‘a promising future’ of Nigeria’s oil and gas. She, however, urged stakeholders to follow the global trends in the oil and gas sector, where global best practice is not compromised.

The high-level virtual symposium, themed 鈥淏eyond the Barrel: Tax Reforms, Value Chain Optimization, and the Future of Nigerian Energy,鈥� brought together leading engineers, policymakers, fiscal experts, and industry stakeholders to interrogate Nigeria鈥檚 evolving oil and gas landscape and explore sustainable pathways for long-term value creation.

Chairman of the occasion and President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, MFR represented by the deputy president Engr. Valerie Agberagba FNSE described the symposium鈥檚 theme as both timely and critical, stressing that Nigeria must urgently move away from over-dependence on crude oil revenues. He called for an innovation-driven, diversified energy ecosystem anchored on sound fiscal policies, gas development, and value-chain efficiency.

Delivering the keynote address, Abudukerimu Sule, speaking on behalf of Mr. Momoh J. Oyarekhua, provided deep insights into the investment opportunities embedded in the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, highlighting how tax reforms can stimulate upstream efficiency, attract foreign and local investment, and strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 competitiveness in the global energy market.

A robust panel session followed, featuring respected industry experts including Engr. Ehimhen Okoh-Agunloye, Engr. Dr. Bukola Olusola, Mr. Adesola Adebawo, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, and Mr. Abayomi Abiona, FCA. Discussions spanned critical areas such as gas transition strategies, upstream and midstream optimization, fiscal incentives, and the role of engineering innovation in driving sustainable energy development.

Beyond the depth of conversations, the 2026 symposium reflected Engr. Dr.Yetunde Aladeitan鈥檚 long-held conviction that Nigeria鈥檚 energy future must move decisively beyond crude dependency toward value-driven, innovation-led growth.

The calibre of participation鈥攊ncluding the NSE President, seasoned policymakers, and industry practitioners鈥攗nderscored the growing stature of NIPetE under her stewardship. More importantly, the conversations were not theoretical. They were practical, forward-looking, and solution-oriented, focusing on how fiscal reforms like the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 can be translated into actionable engineering and investment pathways.

From strengthening midstream and downstream investments to unlocking gas-led industrialization, the symposium mirrored Dr. Aladeitan鈥檚 leadership philosophy: bridging policy with practice and turning national reforms into measurable industry outcomes.

An accomplished academic and industry professional, Engr. Dr. Aladeitan continues to combine mentorship, policy influence, and institutional leadership. Through platforms such as the NIPetE symposium, she remains committed to nurturing the next generation of petroleum engineers while actively shaping the strategic direction of Nigeria鈥檚 energy ecosystem.

As Nigeria navigates economic reforms, global energy transitions, and shifting investment dynamics, one reality stands clear: the future belongs to leaders who understand both the science and the strategy of energy. In Aladeitan, Nigeria has such a leader鈥攄riving conversations, shaping outcomes, and quietly engineering the nation鈥檚 energy future with clarity and impact.

Raheem Akingbolu

The Ibile Justice Forum, a nonprofit, nongovernmental organisation, has raised the alarm over illegal mining activities in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village, all within Ado-Odo community, in Ogun State.

The group in a statement by its representatives Comrade Ifeoluwa Amoo and Comrade Ganiu Owolabi, and made available to our correspondent on Tuesday, described as worrisome attempts by the management of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, to embark on the mining of a farm settlement otherwise dedicated to agriculture development thereby disrupting the livelihoods of the agrarian community.

In the statement which reads in part, they said, “We are constrained to speak against the deliberate actions of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, whose actions and inactions have rendered our community entirely prostrate, economically disadvantaged, environmentally unsafe with other clear and present dangers staring us in the face.

“We are talking about a situation where our collective patrimony is being arbitrarily exploited by a company to the detriment of the community whose livelihoods have not only been hijacked but left in ruins and destruction as a result of the nefarious activities being perpetuated within their community.

“We are even more worried that these nefarious activities are being aided and abeted by the so-called traditional institutions which ordinarily is supposed to be the custodian of the mores and customs of the community, all for their own selfish aggrandizement and craze for the filthy lucre.

“That these illegal mining activities are happening at this time, the federal government is trying to harness and ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s natural endowments, is also a clear affront on the powers and authorities of the federal government by an unknown entity in law and should not be allowed to stand.

“We are aware that the SAF Investment and Property Company Limited was directed by the Ministry of Agriculture in a memo dated January 28th, 2025, to stop all mining activities having withdrew the initial approval granted to the company on December 5th, 2024. But why the company chose to remain in site, and carry on with the exploration activities in defiance of the order by the Ministry is indeed baffling and worrisome.

“The impression that the company can do anything unchallenged, unabated, unhindered has further heightened tension in the community, with residents living in perpetual fear and dread of what could happen to them with the continuous exploitation taking place.

“We therefore use this medium to call on the federal government, the Ogun State government, the Office of the Inspector General of Police to intervene in this matter to forestal a breach of public peace and harmony within the community, and rescue the people and community as a whole.”

As at press time, attempts to reach out to one of the officials of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, Alhaji Kazeem Adebanjo Safiriyu, for comments were futile as the GSM contacts was switched off.

Raheem Akingbolu, who recently visited GolfX, a Lagos鈥� New Immersive Entertainment Hub, located within the calm, scenic environment of Lakowe Lakes, in Lagos, writes on how the facility is giving a new experience in entertainment to Lagos residents.

In a city defined by its pace, energy, and relentless ambition, leisure is no longer a passive activity but an experience to be curated with intentionality. For many Lagosians, unwinding now means finding spaces that balance stimulation with ease, places where the city鈥檚 vibrancy does not disappear but softens into something more deliberate. Lagos, long associated with movement and momentum, is increasingly making room for experiences that prioritise presence and connection.

Nestled within the calm, scenic environment of Lakowe Lakes, GolfX emerges as a compelling response to this shift, offering a modern leisure destination where play, connection, and relaxation exist seamlessly against a backdrop of open greens, water views, and a noticeably slower rhythm.

GolfX is an immersive entertainment hub designed for those who value meaningful experiences. Thoughtfully positioned to serve families, professionals, social groups, and leisure seekers, it brings together sport, technology, and hospitality in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unmistakably contemporary. Here, different rhythms coexist easily. First-time golfers mingle effortlessly with seasoned players, gamers share space with casual explorers, and children and adults alike find activities tailored to their interests while being united by the joy of shared moments rather than separated by skill level or familiarity.

A New Kind of Playground鈥�

At the core of GolfX is a reimagined approach to play. Golf, traditionally perceived as exclusive or intimidating, is presented in a way that is accessible and welcoming. Players step into technology-enabled bays where large digital screens come alive the moment a club meets the ball. Each swing is tracked by radar technology installed across the field, allowing players to see, in real time, where the ball travels, how far it goes, and how accurately it lands. The results appear instantly on screen, transforming what might otherwise be a solitary sport into a shared, visual experience.

Whether guests are experienced players refining their swing or newcomers curious to try something new, the environment encourages participation without pressure. The technology removes guesswork and intimidation, replacing it with instant feedback that invites laughter, friendly competition, and collective reactions. Shots are celebrated, missed attempts become part of the fun, and the game unfolds at a pace that keeps everyone engaged. The setting remains relaxed yet refined, balancing the elegance traditionally associated with golf with an atmosphere that actively encourages social interaction.

Beyond golf, GolfX broadens the idea of play through immersive digital entertainment. Virtual reality games and rollercoaster simulations offer thrilling escapes into alternate worlds, appealing to adventure seekers and technology enthusiasts alike. A dedicated PS5 gaming room caters to console lovers, creating a space for friendly rivalry or relaxed gameplay. Meanwhile, a thoughtfully designed kids鈥� zone ensures younger guests are equally engaged, reinforcing Golf X鈥檚 appeal as a truly multi-generational destination where leisure is not segmented but shared.

Designed for Social Connection鈥�

What sets GolfX apart is its intentional focus on connection. Every element of the hub has been designed to encourage interaction between friends, families, colleagues, and even strangers brought together by shared experiences. It is common to see conversations pause momentarily as shots appear on screen, followed by cheers, commentary, and laughter before seamlessly resuming. VIP booths, communal gaming areas, and comfortable leisure spaces create natural opportunities for bonding, whether during a casual hangout, a celebratory outing, or a corporate retreat.

The social experience is further elevated by a curated food menu and premium bar, offering guests the freedom to dine and indulge without stepping away from the action. Dining and entertainment blend effortlessly, allowing visitors to move fluidly between activities while maintaining the rhythm of their experience. As afternoon gives way to evening, the atmosphere subtly shifts. Music becomes more pronounced, conversations stretch longer, and the space takes on the feel of a social lounge rather than a structured activity centre.

Underpinning the experience is a strong commitment to service quality and detail. From arrival to departure, attention to ambience, comfort, and guest flow creates a visit that feels seamless and well-considered rather than transactional.

Redefining Golf and Leisure Culture in Nigeria鈥�

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of GolfX is its broader vision. It reflects a changing narrative around leisure and golf culture in Nigeria, one that moves away from exclusivity towards inclusivity, and from static recreation towards dynamic, experience-driven engagement. By pairing golf with technology that makes play visual, intuitive, and instantly rewarding, the hub reframes the sport as communal rather than solitary.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Lakowe Lakes, GolfX offers a refreshing counterpoint to the intensity of urban life without sacrificing the stimulation Lagosians crave. It is a place where tradition is enhanced by technology, where play meets sophistication, and where leisure becomes something to be shared rather than consumed alone or hurried through.

As Lagos continues to embrace new expressions of lifestyle and entertainment, GolfX stands as a clear marker of what modern leisure can look like: immersive, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed. In doing so, it signals a future where experiences matter just as much as destinations, and where leisure is not an escape from life, but a richer, more connected way of engaging with it.

By Raheem Akingbolu

Nigerian education technology platform Class54 has introduced new artificial intelligence鈥損owered features aimed at supporting students preparing for major secondary school examinations, including JAMB (UTME), WAEC, and Post-UTME.

The EdTech platform has helped over 300,000 students across Nigeria prepare for and pass local and international examinations through mobile-based practice, offline learning resources, and online instruction.

The update comes as registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is expected to commence soon. According to the company, the new features include AI-powered explanations for exam questions, expanded offline practice tools, and a live online lesson module.

The AI explanation feature is designed to provide step-by-step reasoning for exam questions, with particular focus on subjects such as Mathematics and Physics. The system explains how answers are derived rather than simply presenting final results, a model the company says is intended to support conceptual understanding.

In addition, Class54 has introduced live online lessons that allow students to participate in real-time virtual classes led by subject instructors. The sessions are structured to cover syllabus topics and examination strategies through interactive teaching.

Speaking on the technical development behind the update, Class54鈥檚 Chief Technology Officer, Oluwasegun Ige, said the platform was built to balance academic depth with mobile accessibility.

鈥淒elivering AI-powered explanations and live lessons in a lightweight mobile environment required careful optimization,鈥� Ige said. 鈥淭he focus was to ensure the platform remains usable even with limited data access, while maintaining strong offline functionality.鈥�

The platform also continues to offer full offline access to over 25 years of past JAMB and WAEC questions, alongside a voice-enabled assistant that reads exam literature and summaries aloud for users.

Class54 operates on a single subscription model, which covers JAMB, WAEC, and Post-UTME preparation. The company says the plan is designed to reduce the need for multiple exam preparation tools.

With the 2026 examination cycle approaching, Class54 stated that the latest update is intended to provide students with additional digital learning options alongside traditional study methods. The mobile application is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

About Class54

Class54 is a Nigerian education technology platform focused on exam preparation for local and international assessments. The company provides mobile-based practice tools, offline learning resources, and online instructional support for students across Nigeria.

Oluchi Chibuzor

Abraham Efemena is a fintech founder, AI analyst, and leadership consultant whose work sits at the intersection of technology, finance, and inclusion. As CEO of Apex Network, he leads a fast-growing platform serving over 100,000 users globally across cross-border payments, digital savings, and decentralised finance. A firm believer in Africa-led innovation, Efemena is focused on building financial systems that expand economic mobility for everyday people across the continent. In this interview, he discusses how Apex Network is navigating Africa鈥檚 evolving regulatory landscape while scaling cross-border financial services. He also shares insights on growth strategy, risk management, and the role of policy in enabling responsible fintech innovation across the continent. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts.

How does Apex Network position itself within the evolving regulatory landscape for virtual assets in Africa?

We position ourselves as a long-term participant in the ecosystem, not a short-term operator. Regulation is constantly evolving, so our focus is on staying engaged, compliant, and adaptable.

Rather than building first and reacting later, we design our products with regulation in mind and work closely with regulators to ensure our services remain responsible and sustainable.

What strategic decisions have enabled Apex Network to serve over 200,000 active users across multiple countries?

One key decision was prioritising simplicity and trust from the start. We focused on making our platform easy to use while investing heavily in security and customer support.

We also adopted a market-by-market approach, understanding local user needs and regulatory realities instead of forcing a single model across all regions.

Cross-border payments remain costly for many Africans. How is Apex Network addressing this challenge?

Cross-border payments are a major pain point, especially for individuals and small businesses. We address this by using digital infrastructure that reduces intermediaries and improves settlement speed.

The goal is to make transfers faster, more transparent, and more affordable, while still operating within regulatory frameworks.

What operational systems ensure speed, transparency, and reliability across your services?

We鈥檝e invested in strong internal controls, automated processes, and real-time monitoring systems. These allow us to detect issues early and respond quickly.

Equally important is our focus on process discipline, clear workflows, accountability, and constant system reviews to maintain reliability at scale.

How do you evaluate risk when building products that connect digital assets with traditional financial systems?

Risk evaluation starts with understanding how users interact with both systems. We assess technical risk, regulatory risk, and user behaviour before introducing any product.

We also roll out in phases, stress-test our systems, and build safeguards that protect users while maintaining operational stability.

With increasing scrutiny on crypto platforms, how does Apex Network maintain compliance without slowing innovation?

Compliance is embedded into how we build, not added at the end. That approach allows innovation to continue without constant disruption.

By maintaining clear documentation, strong internal controls, and open communication with regulators, we鈥檙e able to move forward responsibly and confidently.

What metrics guide your assessment of market expansion in regions such as East and Central Africa?

We look beyond user numbers. Engagement, retention, transaction consistency, and support responsiveness are key indicators for us.

We also assess regulatory readiness and local partnerships, because sustainable growth depends on more than just demand.

How have partnerships, technology, or policy shifts influenced your growth strategy in the last two years?

Strategic partnerships have helped us expand responsibly by providing local insight and operational support.

Advances in technology have improved scalability and security, while evolving policies have pushed us to strengthen governance and compliance, both of which have supported long-term growth.

What improvements do you believe African governments can make to encourage responsible fintech development?

Clearer regulatory frameworks and consistent enforcement would go a long way. Ambiguity creates hesitation for both innovators and users.

Governments can also encourage dialogue with industry players, ensuring policies balance innovation with consumer protection.

Looking ahead, what new products or capabilities will shape Apex Network鈥檚 next phase of growth?

Our focus is on expanding usefulness, products that support everyday financial activity, not just transactions.

We鈥檙e investing in tools that improve accessibility, strengthen compliance, and support cross-border use cases, all while keeping the user experience simple and reliable.

鈥淲e want to ensure that these businesses are not only sustained but supported with the required expertise in insolvency and business rescue, so that they do not fail but continue to improve in capacity and service delivery.

Raheem Akingbolu

Yonsus Global Ventures Limited, a Nigerian indigenous construction and building services company, has been named on the 2025 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria, highlighting its growth and expanding footprint within the construction and allied services sector. The listing recognises companies demonstrating performance, scalability and market relevance.

Yonsus Global Ventures Limited is a privately owned limited liability company that operates across a wide range of construction-related activities, including new builds, extensions and renovations, as well as the sales and distribution of building fittings, accessories and allied products.

The company鈥檚 operations cover civil engineering construction, project management and monitoring, building material procurement and maintenance services. Yonsus Global Ventures also undertakes general contracting, trading, marketing and procurement of goods and services, alongside activities in sewage and drainage systems, earthworks, haulage, warehousing, metal fabrication and furniture works.

According to the company, its operations are driven by a technology-enabled and customer-oriented approach, with the objective of delivering reliable construction solutions while maintaining quality standards across projects. Yonsus Global Ventures operates under the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) and Just-in-Time (JIT) systems, which the company states are designed to ensure efficiency, accuracy and consistency in project execution.

Yonsus Global Ventures Limited is headquartered at Abuja with offices at Edo and Lagos, from where it coordinates its operations and service delivery.

The company鈥檚 mission centres on providing a broad and integrated range of construction materials, logistics and support services to the construction industry and the oil and gas sector. It emphasises compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations, alongside quality-driven service delivery through Total Quality Services.

Strategically, Yonsus Global Ventures focuses on structured goal-setting across business units, maintaining accurate client databases, real-time customer engagement and strict adherence to specification-driven quality standards. The company states that these principles guide its operational planning and long-term growth strategy.

Yonsus Global Ventures is led by Andrewyoung Ehidiamhen, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who oversees the company鈥檚 strategic direction and operations. Under his leadership, the company has prioritised integrity, excellence, safety and sustainability as core operational values.

The 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is determined using criteria such as revenue growth, scalability, innovation, market expansion and business sustainability. Yonsus Global Ventures鈥� inclusion reflects its recorded performance and continued participation within Nigeria鈥檚 construction and infrastructure services ecosystem.

Yonsus Global Ventures stated that it will continue to strengthen its service offerings, deepen client partnerships and maintain its focus on quality, safety and environmental responsibility as it expands its operations.

Raheem Akingbolu

SimplifiedIQ, a technology company building integrity infrastructure for assessments, certifications and compliance, has been named on the 2025 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. The recognition places the company among businesses acknowledged for innovation, scalability and institutional impact.

SimplifiedIQ operates at the intersection of education technology, workforce certification and regulatory compliance, providing systems designed to safeguard trust across high-stakes decision environments. The company focuses on ensuring that assessments are secure, processes are auditable, and records are verifiable, addressing long-standing challenges around credibility and accountability across Africa鈥檚 institutional ecosystems.

Established to respond to inefficiencies in manual assessments and fragmented certification workflows, the firm delivers an end-to-end integrity platform that supports secure exam delivery, automated grading and traceable audit processes. According to the company, its systems are designed to produce defensible outcomes that institutions can verify, defend and transfer across regulatory and professional contexts.

The company鈥檚 solutions include tamper-proof examination delivery with full session monitoring, automated and explainable grading for essays, multiple-choice questions, coding challenges and paper-based exams, as well as digital certification and compliance systems that issue verifiable records. Its Scan-to-Grade technology converts handwritten scripts into digitally graded and traceable results, bridging Africa鈥檚 paper-first assessment environment with modern integrity standards.

It also provides audit-ready dashboards and reporting tools that support accreditation, regulatory oversight and institutional compliance. These capabilities are intended to reduce disputes, improve processing efficiency and strengthen confidence in assessment and certification outcomes.

The company works with organisations responsible for high-stakes professional, regulatory and workforce decisions. Its partners include the Chartered Institute of Project Management of Nigeria (CIPMN), Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and SeamlessHR, reflecting its application across education, regulation and corporate hiring environments.

SimplifiedIQ was founded by Sam Obi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, who leads the company鈥檚 strategy and product vision. According to the company, its mission is to design and scale intelligent systems that make assessments, certifications and compliance processes tamper-proof, automated and verifiable across Africa.

The 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is based on criteria including revenue growth, innovation, scalability, market expansion and business sustainability. SimplifiedIQ鈥檚 inclusion reflects its growing role in strengthening institutional trust and digital integrity across the continent.

The management of the company stated that it will continue to expand its integrity infrastructure, deepen partnerships and support Africa鈥檚 transition towards trusted, transparent and technology-enabled assessment and compliance systems.

The traditional workplace hierarchy is evolving, as individual efforts in office cubicles give way to group-centric models.

Across Nigeria, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly adopting new approaches to rebuild resilience and strengthen internal collaboration.

A report by recruitment platform Indeed notes that leaders across sectors are prioritising teamwork structures to improve processes and build healthier organisations. At Rebar Perfecta Limited, a Lagos-based construction and logistics firm, this shift is taking place beyond the office environment and onto the football pitch.

The company recently hosted its fourth annual End-of-Year Games, an initiative designed to reset workplace relationships through football, aerobics and fitness competitions, while reinforcing a culture of unity and shared purpose.

鈥淥n the pitch, there is no boss and no subordinate,鈥� said Gbenga Adigun, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rebar Perfecta. 鈥淓verybody plays as equals. That mindset follows us back to the office, allowing for easier access to reporting lines and better collaboration.鈥�

Founded 13 years ago, Rebar Perfecta operates in the demanding sectors of dredging, land reclamation and marine logistics. With a workforce of over 200 employees and operations spanning multiple construction sites and a large fleet of dump trucks across Lagos, sustaining a cohesive corporate culture remains central to the company鈥檚 operations.

Beyond recreation, the games symbolise resilience and renewal. Adigun disclosed that despite now generating millions of dollars in revenue, the company has shut down operations four times in its history. 鈥淓ach time we shut down, we went home never thinking we were coming back,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 part of the ups and downs. I missed two penalties on the pitch today, but you stay out there hoping for another chance. That is business.鈥�

This year鈥檚 event also marked a shift toward deeper family inclusion. In response to feedback from previous editions, Rebar Perfecta introduced games and activities specifically for spouses and children, recognising their role in employee wellbeing.

Tommy Elijah, Project Manager for Reclamation, said seeing the CEO compete alongside junior staff created a rare sense of unity. Francis Joseph, a fleet pilot, echoed this sentiment, noting that such proximity to leadership is uncommon in Nigeria鈥檚 industrial sector. 鈥淚t united us,鈥� he said. 鈥淓veryone feels happy and included.鈥�

Families welcomed the initiative as well. Loveth Abbas, whose husband works at the company, said involving spouses and children made a significant difference. 鈥淢y children enjoyed themselves,鈥� she said. 鈥淐ompanies don鈥檛 usually involve families like this.鈥�

The event also reflected Rebar Perfecta鈥檚 expansion beyond construction through its technology subsidiary, Scrella, an insurtech platform aimed at democratising gadget insurance in Nigeria. Scrella offers smartphone insurance starting from 鈧�3,500, reducing barriers to coverage for everyday users.

鈥淲e are using technology to remove the stress from traditional insurance,鈥� said Aransiola Florence, Customer Experience Manager at Scrella. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about making sure people feel supported when life happens.鈥�

As Rebar Perfecta rounds off its most successful financial year to date, the company describes the End-of-Year Games as a strategic investment in human capital. In an economy where many businesses struggle to stay afloat, the company believes that teams that play together are better equipped to rebuild, adapt and grow together.

Raheem Akingbolu

Airvend Payment Services Limited, a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed fintech company providing digital payment solutions, has been named on the 2025 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria. The company joins other businesses recognised for growth performance, innovation, and market relevance within the financial services sector.

Airvend operates as a Payment Solution Services provider, offering products designed to support digital transactions across multiple channels. Its portfolio includes Airvend, Airpay, 174# USSD, and Airgate, which collectively enable seamless payment processing for individuals and businesses, including specialized payment solutions for airline ticketing, ancillary services, and travel-related transactions.

The company is led by Precious Chiedozie Ekezie, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, who oversees Airvend鈥檚 operations and strategic direction. In this role, Ekezie is responsible for ensuring coordination across teams, strengthening internal systems and aligning product development with market needs. He is known for his interest in fintech innovation and digital transformation, applying expertise in artificial intelligence, project management, mentorship, technology negotiation and digital currency to drive organisational growth.

Ekezie began his industrial career at the Nigerian Navy Naval Dockyard, an experience that contributed to his leadership discipline and operational approach. He holds an MBA from Nexford University, with a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence, where his studies focused on applying AI to business challenges and opportunities.

He has also played key roles in the development and scaling of technology ventures. Ekezie co-founded Madsuite Technologies, a digital branding and IT company that was selected among the Tony Elumelu Foundation鈥檚 1,000 best startups in Africa in 2017, and later named among the top 100 startups globally to represent Nigeria in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2019. He was instrumental in driving strategic growth initiatives that strengthened market positioning and operational capacity. He is an honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and a member of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), reflecting his cross-disciplinary expertise spanning finance, technology, and innovation.

At Airvend, Ekezie has led efforts to build partnerships with both local and international technology companies and mobile network operators. These collaborations, according to the company, have contributed to increased transaction volumes and revenue growth. He also led the team that secured regulatory licences from the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate as a Payment Solution Service Provider, Payment Terminal Service Provider, and Super Agent, enabling Airvend to expand its service offerings within Nigeria鈥檚 regulated financial ecosystem.

The 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is based on criteria including revenue growth, scalability, innovation, market expansion and business sustainability. Airvend鈥檚 inclusion reflects its operational progress and participation within Nigeria鈥檚 fintech and digital payments landscape.

Airvend stated that it will continue to strengthen its technology infrastructure, deepen partnerships and expand its payment solutions, while maintaining a focus on compliance, innovation and customer trust as it scales its operations.

Immediate past President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, during a recent visit to Agbeyewa Farms Limited, called on African leaders to explore the opportunities available in the Agricultural sector to create jobs and boost the continent’s economy. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts.

As a former head of government in Botswana, what role do you think Agriculture will play in the emerging economies of Africa?

Agriculture is central, and I have always maintained it. I come from a country that was essentially an agro-based economy. It moved into the beneficiation of diamond mining. Beyond Botswana, what we need to do in today鈥檚 Africa is to leap-frog into the next stage where we synergize the application of technology and intellectual capital to optimize benefit and return on investment in the Agric sector.

Agric has all those potentials, particularly that we have the land mass, we have the rainfall, we have the fertile land, we have the people; both to produce and to market. We have the intellect to do this. And so I see this as a very low hanging fruit for us all.

If we look at the greater scheme of things, where many populations around the world are diminishing in their reproductive capacity, i.e. ageing, there’s still a huge number in this part of the world. We in Africa represent the youngest continent and the fastest growing. The potential is here.

So, if anybody is to invest in anything for the future, it would have to be in Africa. If anybody is to produce anything to scale, to make money, it has to be in Africa.

On this note, I really applaud John Olajide, the visionary young man behind Agbeyewa Farms. He is an enigma, as they call him. True, in form and conceptualization, because this is the right thing to do. We need food in Africa. We need to take it to scale. We need to realize the African continental free trade area agreement. We need to evacuate our product. We need to process it and add value to it. We need to optimize the efficiency of both the production and nutritional value. And with that, with our virgin land, with our organic products, nobody can beat us.

Zeroing the conversation to Agbeyewa, how will you describe what you have seen so far?

Let me do some background before answering this. I come from a savannah tropical climate. It鈥檚 dry in Botswana. I’ve come to Nigeria, the heartbeat of Africa. I heard about Agbeyewa Farms from my friend and younger brother, John Olajide, and I must confess, everything he described was much more modest than what I saw.

Now, what did I see? I saw scale, I saw mechanization, I saw human capital, I saw technical, financial, and strategic visioning, and I saw people and community involvement.

I saw virgin land cleared, cultivated for purpose on a scale unimaginable. And in the shortest possible time, the rate at which progress has been made because of the input and use of technology, because of the input and use of intellectual capital through research, and partnerships with those who have done it, and actually thinking through the whole value chain. This is impact at its best.

And for African youth, especially those who are graduating now and trying to get greener pastures in Europe and other parts of the world, what role can they play in this agricultural revolution?

Let me start by saying that those of us in leadership; political, economic, financial and any other form of leadership in Africa, we need to invest in creating an ambient environment to keep our young talent at home. And we need to make them realize that when they go to Europe, they’re going into slavery, immediate enslavement.

They’re going into a wasted land because Europe, for all I see, doesn’t have as bright a future as we do in Africa. But you know, when you’re hungry, you don’t see that. So we need to create the right political climate and an economic environment so that these young people feel safe and they realize what they can get from home. Mobilize all our investors to invest in this and give our investors a break to be able to be motivated to do so.

Back to Agbeyewa, if you’re asked to describe it in a few words after leaving this farm, what would be your response?

Phenomenal. Breathtaking. And all I see here is just the tip of the iceberg. Huge things are going to come out of this. Massive. I see this being the bedrock of the best agronomy in West Africa, if not Africa, coming out of here. The best of agronomists coming out of here. The best of the seed variants coming out of here. The best potential for training to come from here, in whatever field, in the value chain of production, from security to land preparation, seed multiplication, planting, harvesting, you name it. With data, i.e. collecting data and maintaining the right records, you will become the centrepiece of all that for everybody. And once that is achieved, all you need to do is just turn the key on, with very little effort, and the engine runs on its own called Agbeyewa.

Having given a tip about Bostwana, comparatively, what would be your view?

I think comparison is a very kind word. It’s really a contrast. Nigeria is blessed and hugely endowed. You are endowed with water. You are endowed with a lot of land. I mean, look at the trees with no assistance. Look how big they are. You don’t get them like this in my country. Our trees suffer; they struggle. We farm in that place, and we farm cattle better than anybody else in the world. If I give you my piece of meat, you will bite your chin off. It’s good because we farm it well.

But what you need to do is years of painstaking learning, experimentation and getting it right, and being resilient.

What Nigeria has is everything around the people. I don’t know what you can’t grow here. I was just telling John on the way here that I can see about 300 hectares to the side here, and you produce feed. And you organize it so that you compartmentalize it and rear sheep. To get lamb, you need seven to eight months. You put them in a maze. At the end of eight months, you slaughter, and you feed it from the other end.

With all the water and the fertility you have here, you can do anything. You can grow cattle here. You can do dairy here. You can do pork here. You can do chicken here. There’s nothing you cannot do.

It takes effort, research, and commitment. And all you do at the end is you’re harvesting money. It just comes back with less effort every year.

For the government, both at the state and federal levels, as far as agriculture is concerned, what advice would you give Nigerian leaders?

The role of government, primarily in my view, is to provide an enabling environment. Enabling the environment is policy driven. This involves creating a policy-driven legal and regulatory framework that incentivizes growth.

As a government, you incentivize through tax breaks. You incentivize through schemes that are subsidies. Because there’s nowhere in the world where agriculture is not subsidized. So, it’s not a crime to subsidize agriculture because by doing so, the government is providing sustainable jobs and sustainable living. Of course, this will also enhance sustainable nutrition. When all these are applied, investors and government agencies can also diversify the area of agricultural output.

On this note, I will also encourage Nigeria and investors to look in the way of investing in the wildlife economy. Nigeria is losing billions of naira for not opening up their wildlife economy, which is one of the major sources of income for my country. There’s a whole wildlife economy that I have asked John and all the Nigerians I have come across. Where is your wildlife economy? We make hundreds of millions out of our wildlife economy.In Botswana? Yes. We make money from elephants, zebras, antelopes, and crocodiles.

We make money from our ecosystem. I was looking at an outcrop, a hill. And I told John, you could put a little residency or entertainment place. It’s tourism and a source of income. But you know, if you stand on an outcrop, or a high point, anywhere here, with new plantings, it’s beautiful to the eye.

On a final note, I think the role of the government really is to create that enabling environment, which will include the development of technical capacity, through their external affairs, to broker friendships with those countries where those things are done very well. After this, those in the driver鈥檚 seat would bring on board people who can come and motivate and train.

Raheem Akingbolu

The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has officially flagged off the 6th edition of its annual Don鈥檛 Drink & Drive (DDD) campaign, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to promoting responsible drinking and safer roads across Nigeria.

The event commenced at the FRSC Lagos Sector Command with a press interaction and stakeholders’ briefing, attended by FRSC officials, the BSG Executive Team, transport unions, and media organisations.

The initiative is jointly driven by member companies of the Beer Sectoral Group; International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc, who continue to demonstrate unified industry leadership in advancing responsible alcohol consumption.

Through this collaboration, the Group reinforces its long-standing partnership with the FRSC and deepens its commitment to public safety, especially at a time when travel activity and road risks typically increase nationwide.

Chairman of the Beer Sectoral Group and Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Mr. Carlos Coutino, speaking at the flag-off event in Lagos, emphasized the industry鈥檚 unwavering commitment to road safety and responsible drinking.

Coutini said 鈥淭he beer industry remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible drinking advocacy. The Don鈥檛 Drink & Drive campaign has been one of the Beer Sectoral Group鈥檚 flagship corporate social responsibility programmes since inception, aimed at saving lives and fostering safer transportation habits.鈥�

Corps Commander, Kehinde G. Hamzat, stressed the heightened dangers on the roads during the festive season and the need for stronger public awareness.

Hamzat noted that 鈥淭he risk of road crashes increases significantly during the festive season, which is why we must intensify public sensitization efforts. Collective awareness and responsible choices are critical to saving lives on our roads.鈥�

He further appreciated the Beer Sectoral Group member companies for their consistent support of the FRSC in this initiative over the years, noting that their commitment has made a real impact in reducing avoidable accidents.

鈥淚 wish to express my profound appreciation to our esteemed stakeholders, Beer Sectoral Group for partnering with the Federal Road Safety Commission in the campaign for continued corporate social responsibility efforts towards ensuring safety on our roads.鈥�

Mrs. Abiola Laseinde, Executive Secretary of the Beer Sectoral Group, in her closing remarks, expressed appreciation to the FRSC and transport stakeholders for their continued collaboration.

She underscored the vital role of collective action in reducing avoidable accidents caused by drunk driving.

Following the briefing, the team proceeded to major motor parks in Lagos, Berger and Ojota 鈥� for the park rallies.

At each location, commercial drivers and road users received safety sensitization, breathalyzer demonstrations, and branded educational materials.

The rally also featured direct engagements with transport unions and drivers to reinforce the message of safety and responsible alcohol consumption.

The Don鈥檛 Drink and Drive campaign remains a key extension of BSG鈥檚 broader mission to foster responsible drinking, support public safety, and strengthen stakeholder collaboration.

As travel activities increase during the ember months, the BSG and FRSC urge Nigerians to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence.

The Beer Sectoral Group operates under the Food, Beverage, and Tobacco Sector of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). Its members鈥擭igerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc鈥攚ork collaboratively to advance responsible drinking, support regulatory alignment and contribute to national development through economic contributions, advocacy, sustainability programmes, and safety initiatives.

Raheem Akingbolu

Scrella, a technology-driven device insurance company, has been recognised on the 2025 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria, highlighting its growth and impact in the SME sector. The accolade positions Scrella among companies noted for innovation, scalability, and market relevance.

Established in 2023, Scrella operates within Nigeria鈥檚 emerging insurtech space, providing smartphone insurance solutions designed to improve access and efficiency in device protection. The company focuses on reducing traditional barriers associated with device insurance through the use of digital tools and automated processes.

Central to Scrella鈥檚 operations is the use of artificial intelligence for remote device inspection, which eliminates the need for physical assessments. This approach enables customers to complete the insurance process without in-person visits or extensive paperwork. According to the company, its no-appearance sign-up process is intended to improve convenience and reduce friction in accessing device insurance.

Scrella offers coverage for both new and in-use smartphones, a model that broadens participation beyond first-time device buyers. The company states that this structure supports wider adoption of insurance among individuals who may previously have been excluded from conventional coverage options.

Affordability and financial inclusion form part of Scrella鈥檚 operating priorities. Its insurance products are structured to accommodate users across different income levels, with the aim of allowing more Nigerians to protect their devices without undue financial pressure.

The company was founded by Gbenga Adigun, whose professional background spans banking, finance, construction and logistics. Adigun spent 12 years in the financial services sector at Guaranty Trust Bank and ARM before transitioning into construction and construction logistics in 2020. He is the Founder and Co-CEO of Rebar Perfecta, where he oversees finance and logistics operations.

According to Adigun, Scrella was conceived in response to challenges around electronic device preservation and the potential application of artificial intelligence to everyday consumer needs. The company was launched in 2023 with a focus on building a scalable and technology-enabled insurance platform.

The 糖心视频Day Top 100 Fastest Growing SMEs ranking is determined using criteria such as revenue growth, scalability, innovation, market expansion and business sustainability. Scrella鈥檚 inclusion reflects its early-stage performance and participation within Nigeria鈥檚 technology and financial services ecosystem.

Reacting to the recognition, Adigun described the honour as an important milestone for the company鈥檚 growth trajectory.

Scrella stated that it will continue to strengthen its technology, expand its customer base and maintain its focus on accessibility and trust as it scales its operations within Nigeria鈥檚 digital economy.

Raheem Akingbolu

The Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), recently hosted a spectacular 10th edition of the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA 2025) at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, marking a decade of celebrating excellence, innovation and professionalism in Nigeria鈥檚 public relations industry.

Themed 鈥淣ox Excellentia – Night of Excellence,鈥� the landmark event brought together leading communication professionals, corporate executives, public sector leaders, academics, media practitioners and stakeholders from across the Nigerian communications ecosystem, reaffirming LaPRIGA鈥檚 status as the premier PR awards platform in Nigeria and one of the most respected in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR, Dr. Samuel Ayetutu, described LaPRIGA as a powerful symbol of collective vision and professional commitment.

鈥淭en years on, LaPRIGA stands tall as a testament to what collective passion and professional excellence can achieve. Tonight is not just a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of excellence as the enduring value of our profession,鈥� he said.

Dr. Ayetutu noted that LaPRIGA has evolved into what many now regard as the 鈥極scar of the Public Relations Industry in Nigeria,鈥� applauding the deliberate efforts of the chapter to deliver a world-class experience befitting the milestone edition. He commended the Planning and Selection committees for delivering a flawless event premised on credibility and transparency.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Selection Committee, Mr. Chido Nwakama revealed that the 2025 edition received over 100 entries across 19 award categories, reflecting growing recognition of the awards and improving quality of professional practice.

While commending the quality of entries, Mr. Nwakanma urged practitioners to embrace peer review and professional validation as essential to the growth and credibility of the profession.

鈥淪ubmitting your work for scrutiny is a professional stride, not a vulnerability. Excellence thrives when it is confidently showcased,鈥� he said.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals, agencies and organisations whose work exemplify strategic insight, creativity, ethical practice and measurable impact.

LAPRIGA 2025 AWARD WINNERS
鈥� Best Use of Technology in Public Relations: Teksight Edge
鈥� Community Relations Excellence: TGI Group
鈥� Best in Internal Communication: Teksight Edge / The RMB Promise and Sustainability Campaigns
鈥� Corporate Communication Professional: Stanley Olisa
鈥� Crisis & Issues Management: Integrated Indigo / Nigerian Bottling Company
鈥� Most Influential PR Person: Tolulope Olorundero
鈥� Media Excellence (PR Journalist): Felicia Nwosu (Marketing Edge)
鈥� Public Relations Agency of the Year: Mosron Communications
鈥� PR Educator of the Year: Dr. Nkem Osere
鈥� Private Sector PR Campaign of the Year: Integrated Indigo / Lafarge 鈥� Women on Wheels
鈥� PR Trainer of the Year: Tokunbo George-Taylor
鈥� Public Sector PR Professional: Adekunle Adeshina
鈥� Public Sector PR Campaign of the Year: Chain Reactions / Citizens Connect Initiative
鈥� Rising Star Award: Ifeoluwa Ariyo-Agbaje
鈥� Sustainability Communication: Integrated Indigo / NBC Packaging Collection Hub
鈥� Insight-Driven Communication: Integrated Indigo / Lafarge Africa
鈥� Excellence in Social Media & AI Innovation (Public Sector): Teksight Edge / Lagos State Government (E1 Lagos GP LOC)
鈥� Entertainment PR: Chain Reactions / Guinness Matchday Trophy Tour
鈥� Model Agency of the Year: Integrated Indigo

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to:
鈥� Dr. Joseph Okonma, fnipr
鈥� Mr. Jide Ologun, Esq., mnipr
鈥� Mr. Kayode Yeku, fnipr

Service to the Lagos Chapter of NIPR Awards:
鈥� Thelma Okoh, mnipr
鈥� Muyiwa Akande, mnipr
Other special recognitions included:
鈥� Award of Excellence for Promoting the Ideals of Public Relations: Seplat Energy
鈥� Grassroots Governance Excellence Award: Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku
鈥� Most Reputable Brand of the Year: TGI
鈥� Outstanding Broadcaster of the Year (Television): Channels Television
鈥� Outstanding Broadcaster of the Year (Radio): Traffic Radio FM
鈥� Outstanding Support to Public Relations Practice: TotalEnergies
鈥� Outstanding Marketing Communication Magazine of the Year: Brand Communicator

The 10th LaPRIGA ceremony concluded with networking, entertainment and renewed commitment to advancing ethical, innovative and impactful public relations practice in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

With LaPRIGA 2025 successfully concluded, the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR reaffirmed its resolve to continue providing thought leadership and platforms that elevate the practice and perception of public relations in Nigeria.

Raheem Akingbolu

MEXC, one of the fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange platforms globally, has launched 鈥淭rust You Can Verify,鈥� a transparency hub that consolidates Proof of Reserves data, security reporting, and educational resources in one accessible destination for 40 million users worldwide.

The hub features multiple transparency pillars, including independently audited Proof of Reserves data (verified by Hacken on November 26, 2025), the latest transparency and security updates, and educational content on reserve verification methods and risk-control fundamentals.

According to a statement issued by its promoters, users can access verified wallet addresses, conduct individual balance verification through integrated Merkle tree tools, download comprehensive security reports, and explore step-by-step guides on how Proof of Reserves works and what reserve ratios mean for asset safety.

It was also noted that the hub also provides the latest transparency and security updates, including bimonthly security and risk-control reports. It further offers educational content on security, risk control, and beyond, supporting the safe and responsible mass adoption of crypto.

鈥淭he future of centralized crypto exchanges depends on empowering users with verifiable proof, not just promises,鈥� said Vugar Usi, Chief Operating Officer at MEXC. 鈥淭his hub represents our commitment to a transparent industry standard where every user has the tools and knowledge to hold platforms accountable.鈥�

With 鈥淭rust You Can Verify,鈥� MEXC reinforces its long-term commitment to transparency, security, and user empowerment. By making critical data verifiable and accessible, the exchange aims to set a higher benchmark for accountability across the industry and build lasting trust with users worldwide.

The statement further added that users can access the hub at Trust You Can Verify Hub.

Former President of Botswana, His Excellency Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has declared that the future of Africa lies in deliberate and sustained investment in agriculture, noting that the continent is naturally endowed to leverage the sector for prosperity, food security, and inclusive economic development.

President Masisi made this disclosure after touring Agbeyewa Farms in Ekiti State, where he inspected operations across the farm鈥檚 locations and interacted with management and workforce. He called on governments and policymakers in Nigeria, at all levels, to create a truly enabling environment for agriculture and the entire agricultural value chain to thrive.

Commending the Chairman of Agbeyewa Farms, Mr. Niyi John Olajide, and his team, President Masisi described their investment as timely and visionary. He noted that what he observed at Agbeyewa Farms鈥攑articularly in the areas of technology adoption, structured operations, and human capital鈥攃learly indicates a bright future for the enterprise. He further described Mr. Olajide as a passionate African committed to job creation and economic prosperity across the continent.

According to President Masisi:

鈥淕overnment is to provide an enabling environment. Enabling the environment is policy-driven. It is about legal infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and incentivization. As a government, you incentivize through tax breaks and subsidies, because there is nowhere in the world where agriculture is not subsidized. It is not a crime to subsidize agriculture; by doing so, governments provide sustainable jobs, sustainable livelihoods, and improved nutrition. When these are in place, investors and government agencies can diversify agricultural output.鈥�

Speaking further, the former President encouraged Nigeria and private investors to explore the wildlife economy, noting that Nigeria is losing billions of naira by not fully unlocking this sector, which remains a major source of revenue for Botswana.

鈥淭here is a whole wildlife economy,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 have asked Nigerians I have met: where is your wildlife economy? In Botswana, we make hundreds of millions from wildlife鈥攅lephants, zebra, antelopes, crocodiles, and more.鈥�

Also speaking during the visit, Chairman of Cavista Holdings鈥攖he parent company of Agbeyewa Farms鈥擬r. Niyi John Olajide reiterated the company鈥檚 commitment to maximizing the entire cassava value chain while creating jobs and economic opportunities for Nigerians.

鈥淲e are moving decisively into processing,鈥� Olajide said. 鈥淎s we perfect cultivation and aggregation, we are also perfecting everything around agricultural trading. Our goal is to maximize value addition through processing鈥攑roducing ethanol, cassava starch, and high-quality cassava flour鈥攕o that the benefits of agriculture extend across communities and industries.鈥�

Over the past three years, Agbeyewa Farms has made a profound impact in Ekiti State and beyond. Within this period, the farm has employed over one thousand youths directly and indirectly across its growing ecosystem, providing meaningful work, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Beyond employment, Agbeyewa Farms is intentionally positioning agriculture as a viable and attractive investment capable of empowering young people, women, and rural communities, while stimulating inclusive economic growth.

Through large-scale cassava cultivation, structured aggregation, community engagement, and a clear roadmap for processing and value addition, Agbeyewa Farms is not only transforming agricultural practice but also transforming lives鈥攂uilding stronger communities, restoring dignity to farming, and creating pathways to shared prosperity.

According to the farm’s Managing Director and CEO, Oska Seyi Ayeleso, he said: “the visit of former President Masisi therefore represents more than a courtesy call; it is a significant validation of Agbeyewa Farms鈥� vision and Africa鈥檚 agricultural future. His visit provided a unique opportunity for cross-country learning and reinforced the urgent need to deploy agribusiness as a strategic tool for economic development and mass job creation across Africa.”

President Masisi鈥檚 message echoed a clear truth: agriculture remains one of Africa鈥檚 most powerful engines for growth. This is precisely the path Mr. John Olajide and his team are pursuing through their bold and sustained investment in Agbeyewa Farms鈥攄emonstrating, in practical terms, how agribusiness can unlock opportunity, create massive employment for African youth, and drive long-term, inclusive development across the continent.

Chief Financial Officer, Ellah Lakes, Hewett Benson, in this interview said the company鈥檚 N235 billion public offer is a catalyst for structurally stable financial footing and industrial scale. Raheem Akingbolu brings the excerpts:

Ellah Lakes is a diversified agro-industrial giant that launched a N235 billion Offer for Subscription. Can you briefly outline the core value proposition of the company and why this specific moment is the right time for this massive capital raise?

Ellah Lakes represents a rare convergence of land scale, integrated value chains, and a clear pipeline of industrial expansion. Over the past few years, the Company has built one of the most significant land banks, while simultaneously laying the foundations for multi-crop and multi-product operations. Today, we are not simply a primary agriculture company, we are transitioning into a full agro-industrial platform with the ability to cultivate, process, refine, and distribute products across the palm oil, cassava, and livestock value chains. 

The N235 billion raise comes at a strategic inflection point. The company has already secured the assets, developed the land, and designed the processing blueprint. What is needed now is catalytic capital to unlock industrial-scale productivity. Nigeria鈥檚 growing food and manufacturing demand, coupled with structural shortages in refined agricultural inputs, means the market opportunity has never been stronger. 

The timing is intentional: the groundwork is done, the market is primed, and the company is prepared to convert its asset base into sustained, industrial-scale earnings.

The N12.50 per share price is the foundation of this offer. From a financial stability and valuation standpoint, what specific components of the company’s operations and financials were prioritised in determining this issue price?

The N12.50 price is anchored on a valuation approach that prioritised tangible assets, near-term earnings capacity, and the scalability of the company鈥檚 operating model. First, the valuation takes cognisance of the company鈥檚 extensive land bank (more than 30,000 hectares across multiple states) which provides an appreciating foundation to sustainable shareholder value creation. Most of the land is under development or close to yield-bearing stages, increasing the embedded value they carry.

Secondly, the valuation reflects the high-margin outputs expected from our processing expansion. Once operational, the palm oil mills, cassava processing plants, and livestock systems will generate refined products with substantially higher margins than raw agricultural outputs. The pricing therefore captures both the current net asset value of the Company and the near-term transformation of that asset base into industrial revenue.

Additionally, the issue price accounts for the Company鈥檚 significantly de-risked operational model. With diversified crops, multi-location assets, and a strategy built on integration rather than dependence on a single commodity, Ellah Lakes enters this raise with a structurally stable financial footing.

The facility upgrades and acquisitions are designed for a ‘step-change’ in operations. How will this investment allow Ellah Lakes to achieve best-in-class operational efficiency, and what magnitude of increase are you targeting in key metrics once the N235 billion is fully productive?

The investment introduces a structural shift in how Ellah Lakes operates. We are moving from a model that relies heavily on manual processes and fragmented supply chains into one governed by industrial automation, continuous processing, and seamless integration across all value chains. With upgraded facilities, extraction rates increase, processing downtime reduces, and throughput becomes significantly more efficient. 

The modern palm oil mills allow for higher oil extraction from each ton of fresh fruit bunches. Cassava processing plants with improved drying, milling, and starch conversion technology significantly increase yield and product consistency. Livestock facilities benefit from better feeding systems, improved genetics, and climate-controlled environments that enhance growth cycles.

 By the time the N235 billion is fully deployed, we expect a meaningful uplift in overall production efficiency, a sharp increase in processed output, and a reduction in per-unit operating cost. We are targeting, conservatively, a double-digit expansion in extraction yields, a tripling of processing capacity in certain chains, and a material improvement in gross margins as value-added products become the dominant revenue driver.

Can you share the financial deployment schedule for the N235 billion over the next 12 to 18 months? What key financial milestones are you tracking to ensure this large sum is channeled efficiently into the planned acquisitions and upgrades?

The deployment schedule is structured to deliver impact quickly while setting the stage for long-term productivity. In the first six months, significant capital will be allocated toward the acquisition of Agro-Allied Resources & Processing Nigeria Limited (ARPN).

In the subsequent period, focus will shift to upgrading and expanding processing infrastructure such as mills, plants, storage systems, logistics assets, and quality assurance facilities. This phase is essential for converting increased production into high-value output.

Other investments and working capital financing will be allocated as needed to support the growth strategy.

Throughout these stages, we are tracking milestones such as timely acquisition integration, facility commissioning timelines, yield improvements, increases in planting density, and incremental boosts in monthly production throughout.

In particular, when can investors anticipate that the new processing assets and integrated acquisitions will transition into their full operational productivity phase?

Several of the assets being acquired or upgraded are designed for near-term productivity. Many of the processing facilities are already at advanced stages of development, meaning investors can expect gradual revenue contribution to begin within the first operational year after deployment. Full industrial productivity is anticipated once commissioning and optimisation phases have been completed typically within 12 to 18 months. 

Acquisitions with near-ready plantations will contribute more quickly, especially as harvested products can immediately feed into upgraded mills and plants. In essence, the timeline is short because the company is not building its ecosystem from scratch; it is scaling an existing infrastructure and integrating acquisitions that complement the existing value chain.

Strategic acquisitions are a core focus of this raise. How will you ensure that these newly acquired assets are immediately accretive to the company鈥檚 revenue base and materially enhance the overall value?

We approach acquisitions with a clear operational philosophy: the assets must immediately slot into our integrated chain and start enhancing production or processing volumes. The select acquisitions we are pursuing have been evaluated not just for their size, but for their maturity, location, yield potential, and proximity to our processing hubs. 

To ensure accretion, we prioritise assets that: reduce our dependence on third-party suppliers, contribute directly to processing plant utilisation, enhance economies of scale and expand our product pipeline without significantly increasing overhead 

Much of the value will come from synergies such as shared logistics, shared processing facilities, integrated supply chains, and the ability to consolidate operational costs. These effects create immediate uplift in revenue and, over time, generate exponential value as the assets reach peak productivity.

The application list closes on December 5th. What is your primary message to the investment community about the benefit of participating in the Ellah Lakes growth story today?

Ellah Lakes Plc presents a compelling investment opportunity at a pivotal moment in its evolution to invest in a company at the threshold of a major industrial expansion. Ellah Lakes is not conceptual; it is real, asset-backed, and strategically positioned in a sector that Nigeria urgently needs to strengthen.

The capital being raised will be deployed into assets, investments and working capital financing to increase productivity, to expand capacity, and deepen the company鈥檚 integration. Investors who participate today are positioning themselves at the foundational moment of an agro-industrial platform that has the land, the scale, the market demand, and the strategic clarity to become one of Nigeria鈥檚 leading producers of essential agricultural products.

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 begins, TECNO has announced the launch of the #MyPowerMoment Challenge, a nationwide contest celebrating Nigerians’ spirit. Running from November 28 to December 5, 2025, this challenge invites creators, football fans, and everyday Nigerians to share their most powerful stories for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
This initiative is part of the wider TECNO AFCON Festive Power Play campaign. It merges the passion and joy of football with the excitement of the festive season. The campaign is built on the belief that “Every Moment is a Power Moment,” empowering consumers to celebrate their personal victories alongside those of the Super Eagles.

To participate, consumers would have to join one of the listed categories, as each piece of content must fall under one of the following four power moments; moment of glory: showcasing a personal victory or proud achievement, moment of joy: sharing a deeply happy or unforgettable memory, moment of Creativity: Expressing artistic talent that inspires others and moment of rising: telling a story of growth, strength, or transformation.

To participate and join the #MyPowerMoment, below are the necessary prerequisites to fulfil, and one stands a chance to join the Super Eagles in Morocco for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.

Consumers will create short videos sharing their stories based on any of the “Power Moment” categories. Post your video on TikTok. You may also share on Instagram, YouTube, or Facebook.

Tag all official TECNO Nigeria accounts.

One, by using the hashtags: #MyPowerMoment, #MyPowerMomentNaija, #TECNOAFCON2025, and #TECNOAI. Secondly, submission of entries via email to Afcon2025@Tecno-mobile.com.

路 Subject Line: [Country] + [Platform] + [@Username]

路 Email Body: Must include the submission unit, work name, and post link.

The grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco to experience AFCON 2025. Additionally, winners across the four themes will be honored with a special trophy at the prestigious TECNO Creators鈥� Award Night.

Entries will be judged based on theme relevance, creativity, brand integration, and video quality.

“This campaign is more than just about football; it is about the resilience and creativity that defines us as Nigerians. Be it a personal breakthrough or a moment of pure joy, we want to give our community a global stage to shine and what better stage than AFCON 2025,” said Olumide Yomi-Omolayo, Marketing Manager at TECNO Nigeria.

The entry window closes on December 5, 2025. Don鈥檛 miss out on this unique opportunity. For more updates, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram, and X(Twitter).

Raheem Akingbolu

The Harvesters Africa Empowerment Foundation (HAEF), the humanitarian outreach arm of Harvesters International Christian Center, completed its annual Back-to-School Initiative, bringing hope, dignity, and restoration to underserved children and families across Nigeria.

The initiative, powered by partnerships with SOHCAHTOA Foundation, Saturn Home Appliance, and the Center for Legal Support and Inmate Rehabilitation (CELSIR), demonstrated the transformative power of love in action.The focus of this year鈥檚 outreach was not only on meeting educational needs but also on ministering hope to broken communities, marginalized families, and even inmates longing for a second chance. The initiative extended into classrooms, slums, inner cities, and correctional facilities – places where the light of God鈥檚 love is needed most.

A moving component of the project was the 鈥淓mpower to Rebuild鈥� partnership with CELSIR and the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where HAEF empowered inmates undergoing rehabilitation programs. Through vocational training, inmates produced 100 three-seater school desks, providing seating for 300 schoolchildren. This symbolized a profound truth: God can rebuild anything lives, families, and futures.

HAEF further facilitated the issuance of trade certifications from the Lagos State Ministry of Labour, equipping inmates with the tools to rebuild their lives upon release.

Across the country, the impact was widespread, including Makoko 鈥� Hope for the Slum School, that got 150 uniforms, 42 three-seater desks (seating 126)750 booksRoad sand-filling to improve school access.

Also, St. Jude鈥檚 Anglican Primary School, Ijesha-Ijebu with 30 desks, Complete school wear packages, 600 notebooks. Project at James Opeyemi Foundation Project includes; 10002,000 notebooks donated and Kuramo Secondary School, Ikoyi, with 28 chairs, full classroom renovation.

At LEA Primary School, Abuja, the initiative attracted 25 classroom chairs. Additionally, HAEF paid the school fees of children from families led by single mothers across Lagos, Ibadan, and Ekiti.

Reflecting on the initiative, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, Lead Pastor at HICC and Founder of HAEF , shared:鈥淓ducation is one of the greatest levers for long-term transformation. Our strategy is simple target communities with the highest need and intervene with dignity-centered support. This year, we demonstrated that empowerment can also rebuild lives behind prison walls. We are proud to see inmates actively shaping the future of young Nigerians.鈥漈his Back-to-School Initiative reaffirms HAEF鈥檚 commitment to touching lives in meaningful ways and demonstrating the heart of God to communities nationwide.

鈥argets health, education, food and economic empowerment

Raheem Akingbolu

As part of the activities being put in place to immortalise and continue with the various humanitarian gestures of a late former General Manager, Controls at Ibile Holdings Ltd., Kikelomo Christiana Akinluyi, her family has inauguarated Kikelomo Christianah Akinluyi Charity Foundation (Kaycee Foundation) to provide relief and support programmes for members of the public. Mrs Akinluyi, a fellow of Chartered Intitute of Accountant and entrepreneur, died on April 1, 2024 at age 60.

Speaking at the inauguration of the foundation in Aramoko Ekiti, the husband of the late corporate guru, Mr. Laolu Akinluyi, also a Chartered Accountant, announced that N250 million endowment fund has been earmarked for the foundation. He further stated that the foundation would provide relief and support for residents of Aramoko community and other members of the public.

He explained that the foundation was established to immortalise Mrs. Akinluyi, to preserve her values, compassion, and humanitarian spirit.

The Chartered Accountant, an indigene of Aramoko-Ekiti, said that the KAYCEE Foundation was a memorial project and not a springboard for political ambitions.

Akinluyi explained that the foundation鈥檚 interventions would focus on four pillars including health, education, feeding and economic empowerment with the aim of supporting students, youths, the aged, widows and other vulnerable groups in the town.

As part of its first humanitarian gestures, the Foundation had earlier installed hand-pump boreholes in five primary schools across Aramoko and distributed 250 packs of 25kg food items to 250 widows and aged women.

Reflecting on the journey leading to the establishment of the NGO, he revealed that the idea had been conceived 15 years ago, a joint initiative between him and his wife but following her demise, the family resolved to transform it into a memorial foundation.

He added that the N250m endowment fund would generate about N50 million annually through interest and dividends, which would be dedicated to the running of the foundation鈥檚 programmes as well as administrative operations.

The Bishop of the Anglican Church, Ekiti West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Cornelius Oludare Adagbada, described the project as a rare gesture that would bring relief to many households.

Also speaking, a foremost scholar of choreography and performance aesthetics,
Professor Rasaki Ojo-Bakare, commended Akinluyi for initiating a legacy project capable of transforming the lives of beneficiaries.

Raheem Akingbolu

TECNO, the Official Global Partner of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (鈥淎FCON鈥�) Morocco 2025 , just unveiled its continent-wide 2025 campaign, 鈥淧ower Your Moment鈥�, celebrating the joy, passion, and defining triumphs that shape this iconic tournament.

Built to highlight how TECNO鈥檚 cutting-edge AI ecosystem elevates every meaningful moment in the lives of young Africans, the brand is rolling out a dynamic lineup of creative, interactive, and culturally engaging experiences throughout AFCON 2025.

Leading the campaign is the debut of TECNO鈥檚 new musical brand film, also titled 鈥淧ower Your Moment鈥�, a vivid and vibrant narrative showcasing how the TECNO AI ecosystem fuels the pivotal moments of the young African鈥檚 everyday life. Amplifying this spirit is a standout collaboration with Afrobeats sensation Joeboy, TECNO Power Moment Featured Artist. His original soundtrack and cultural influence infuse the campaign with the unmistakable rhythm and energy of today鈥檚 African youth.

TECNO’s new brand campaign is rooted in a powerful insight: Africa’s young generation stands at a pivotal moment. They are ambitious, restless, and determined, a rising force refusing to be defined by limitations. They dream bigger, work harder, and demand tools that match their aspirations.

Recognizing this unsettled energy and transforms it into momentum, TECNO now provides powerful cutting-edge AI product ecosystem and technology that doesn’t just keep up with their ambitions but propels them forward.The heart of the new brand films tells how TECNO AI integrates naturally into the daily lives of these young changemakers through the brand’s ecosystem of products. The narrative unfolds through four key emotional territories such as Power Your Joy, Power Your Rise, Power Your Future, and Power Your Creativity. Each represents pivotal moments where intention transforms into action through TECNO AI features.

From a Moroccan family enjoying a superior match experience with TECNO AI glasses and TECNO Slim, to a group of high-net-worth African leaders powering the younger generation of entrepreneurs; from a teenager studying more efficiently with TECNO AI support, and a group of young content creators leveling up their craft through TECNO AI-powered devices – every scene brings the theme to life through authentic yet epic moments. Together, they illustrate how Africans are harnessing technology with determination and passion to explore and build a brighter future.

鈥淭ECNO鈥檚 Power Your Moment manifesto speaks directly to the emotional core of this generation: their refusal to wait, their drive to prove themselves, and their belief that their time is now. TECNO AI and TECNO AI ecosystem doesn’t just enable, it powers the unstoppable momentum of Africa’s youth rising.鈥� said, Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO. From screen to street, TECNO is translating this message into tangible experiences across the continent. TECNO understands that inspiration is most powerful when paired with real interaction, which is why the brand is bringing its technology directly to young Africans.

In AFCON host cities, TECNO will open Pop-Up Stores and Fan Zones where fans can explore the full ecosystem, smartphones, wearables, laptops, and AI-powered imaging, while celebrating the tournament. Retail experiences will showcase how TECNO AI supports real moments, from capturing match-day highlights to seamlessly shifting tasks between devices.

Technology-themed AFCON viewing parties will turn football nights into shared, innovation-led experiences with enhanced joy. Online, AFCON-exclusive AI features will offer fans new tools to create, connect, and express their passion in ways that feel personal, creative, and authentic.TECNO’s commitment goes deeper than access鈥攊t’s about recognition and empowerment.

As part of its AFCON 2025 campaign, TECNO is set to launch #PowerYourMoment – a Pan-African creator initiative celebrating creativity, culture, and personal aspiration across the continent.

Running from November 28 to December 5, TECNO invites young creators to reinterpret four emotional themes -Moment of Glory, Joy, Rising, Creativity-through photos and videos featuring TECNO devices.

A TikTok LIVE challenge will take place from November 28 to December 11 , with a strong focus on Morocco, Algeria and Egypt, offering a dynamic stage for creators to express personal achievement, optimism, and creative identity. Joeboy鈥檚 dedicated brand TVC will serve as a unifying thread for participants.Both initiatives will culminate in the selection of 60 top creators, who will be invited to Morocco during AFCON 2025 to attend the Opening Ceremony, explore TECNO鈥檚 Pop-Up Store, take part in an exhibition match with AFCON legends, and join TECNO GLORY NIGHT, an exclusive gala dinner alongside players, creators, and representatives of the brand.With 鈥淧ower Your Moment鈥�, TECNO presents a campaign that bridges technology, culture, and individual aspiration at a pivotal moment for African football.

As AFCON Morocco 2025 approaches, the brand aims to inspire people across the continent to seize every opportunity, share their stories, and embrace the potential of AI-enabled creativity. Through this campaign, TECNO affirms its commitment to uplifting a new generation to define their own journey, and truly power their moment.

Raheem Akingbolu

The Carnelian in Victoria Island is drawing growing interest from investors and Nigerians in diaspora who see it as a strategic move in the path of Nigeria鈥檚 most ambitious urban development.

Developed by Digital Landlords with contractor ECM and inspired by Keji Giwa, Founder of Giwa Gardens Water Park, the project is now linked to the rising economic activity around Eko Atlantic City. Its position offers access at an entry point that remains within reach while aligning with long-term shifts in Lagos鈥� real estate market.

The location of The Carnelian places it in the Okunde zone near Bluewater, overlooking the Eko Atlantic Resort Beach and the Coastal Road. This gives the development direct access to spaces that draw steady movement from residents, workers, and short-term visitors. The site is also four minutes from Eko Atlantic City.

This keeps it outside the new district yet close enough to serve people whose work or travel connects to it. The link to Victoria Island and Ikoyi widens its reach across business and diplomatic circles. Many of the early enquiries have come from people who want to stay near Eko Atlantic without taking on the cost of living inside it. This is why the project is often described as a suburb of the new city.

The economic pull of Eko Atlantic City is shaping the valuation outlook. The district is expected to serve as a financial and diplomatic hub, with land scarcity and its modern infrastructure pushing projected prices upward. The expectation that apartments in Eko Atlantic will sell for $1.8m by 2029 has become a reference point for investors.

The Carnelian, with a projected value of $1.2m, stands at a 33 percent discount to that benchmark. This creates room for buyers who want access to the district鈥檚 lifestyle and convenience but prefer a lower entry point. The $450,000 starting price for early buyers opens a valuation gap that forms the core of the investment story. The projected rise from $450,000 to $1.2m reflects a 167 percent increase by completion in 2029, which is one of the strongest arguments for long-term investors.

The rental market adds another layer to the opportunity. The location supports nightly rates of $350 to $450. At a 50 percent occupancy rate and an average of $400 per night, monthly gross revenue sits around $6,000. The demand comes from expatriates, diplomats, diaspora Nigerians, HNI guests, and corporate teams who want access to serviced accommodation near the beach, business districts, and the airport. The ease of movement from these locations to The Carnelian reduces friction and supports consistent rental interest.

Investors also point to ongoing work in Eko Atlantic City as a signal that the surrounding market is moving. Visible development reduces uncertainty and shows that the main driver of future value is real. With units priced in USD, foreign investors also see a currency hedge. Land in this corridor remains finite, and this continues to tighten supply.

The Carnelian brings together capital growth potential, rental income, and positioning next to a rising district. Buyers who enter at $450,000 gain access to a future $1.8m market while operating a rental model that can support holding costs. It offers a path into an emerging zone at a lower cost while generating income as the wider market evolves.

Raheem Akingbolu

The Iconic Brand Africa (TIBA) Conference 2025, themed 鈥淭hriving in 糖心视频 & Career Through Innovation & Resilience鈥�, brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders for a day of learning, reflection, and strategic conversations.

The event also recognised individuals making progress across sectors, including Linda Ochugbua, who was named among the Top 10 Exceptional Professionals of the Year in Branding and Communications.

Ochugbua has over 17 years of professional experience, with 12 years in the media industry. She is currently the Digital Sales Manager at 糖心视频Day Media, where she oversees digital sales strategy and leads a team of sales executives and customer service representatives. Her role includes driving digital revenue, developing digital products, and supporting business development initiatives. She also manages client relationships and introduces bespoke advertising solutions for evolving market needs.

鈥淩eceiving this award affirms the bold risks, strategic choices, and countless late nights. It reminds me why I show up fully every day, to create meaningful results, build real value, and keep stretching what鈥檚 possible in my field.鈥� Ochugba said.

During the conference, the Founder of TIBA, Omababinrin Adeola Osideko, shared the organisation鈥檚 history and the changes that shaped its evolution.

In her welcome remarks, she said her vision for The Iconic Brand Africa came from her own journey of 鈥減ersistence, learning, and growth鈥�. She explained that after years of running an award platform, the board encouraged her to expand the mission into a wider learning and development movement. This led to the establishment of an academy, new programmes, and a broader organisational structure aimed at supporting professionals and entrepreneurs.

In a moderated conversation, Osideko discussed personal lessons from her journey, including dealing with criticism, navigating leadership responsibilities, and managing expectations from people within and outside her team. She stated that one of her early challenges was the belief that everyone needed to like her. She noted that she later learnt to prioritise respect over acceptance, quoting, 鈥淒o not seek to be liked, seek to be respected.鈥�

She also spoke about online bullying, recounting a widely discussed incident that led to a legal case. She emphasised that the experience did not stop her work. Instead, it led her to shift her presence from Facebook to LinkedIn, which she described as a 鈥渟afe space鈥�.

Osideko also shared insights on building professional relevance and online presence. She encouraged participants to be real, avoid pressure, and invest in personal development. She stated that people follow value, not popularity, and urged attendees to pursue skills, mentorship, and continuous learning.

The event featured keynote sessions and panel discussions with speakers including Dr Chizor Malize, Managing Director/CEO of FITC; Ayodele Solomon, Head of Innovation at Wema Bank; Chiamaka Ige, Lead Consultant and Strategist at Advance Consulting; and Dr Precious Oshideko, Vice President Operations at Arete-Zale Consulting, among others.

Raheem Akingbolu

When Interswitch launched the TechConnect initiative, the goal was clear – to create a platform where industry players could gather to exchange insights, explore emerging technologies, and navigate the shifts shaping Nigeria鈥檚 financial ecosystem. Over the years, TechConnect has grown into one of the most consistent and impactful engagement forums for leaders across commercial banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, and other financial services sectors.

Its purpose has remained steady, to strengthen understanding across the industry, expand access to innovation, and encourage collective thinking around the future of digital financial services.

In the last two years, these series have taken a broader role in shaping stakeholder engagement and enhancing the enterprise brand narrative. According to Ogechi Okwechime, Divisional Head, Growth Marketing (Enterprise), Marketing & Corporate Communications, TechConnect has grown into a powerful platform shaping industry dialogue and direction.

TechConnect 4.0, themed 鈥淯nlocking Opportunities Through Technology and Innovation,鈥� marked a significant shift. The series expanded into a full national roadshow, engaging audiences across Lagos, Enugu, Asaba, Ibadan, and Abuja. This multi-city approach ensured that conversations about innovation were not concentrated only in major commercial centres but extended to regions with distinct market realities and opportunities.

The edition focused on how organisations could leverage technology to improve customer experience, streamline operations, and build more resilient business models. Through panel sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative discussions, participants explored practical pathways for unlocking growth in a rapidly digitising economy.

Building on that foundation, TechConnect 5.0 further evolved the conversation similarly across major cities and themed 鈥淯nited Frontiers: Growth Powered by Innovation, Collaboration and Compliance,鈥� the 2025 series reflected the growing need for alignment across the ecosystem. With regulatory expectations rising and digital adoption accelerating, the focus shifted to how industry players can innovate responsibly while strengthening governance and collaboration.

The sessions were curated to reflect regional priorities 鈥� from emerging opportunities in the South-East, to regulatory clarity and national policy direction in Abuja, to scaling innovation and advancing partnerships in Lagos. Each city provided a unique context for industry-wide reflection and forward planning.

According to Ogechi Okwechime, the essence of TechConnect remains rooted in fostering meaningful engagement across the ecosystem.

鈥淭echConnect is about building bridges between ideas, institutions, technologies, and people. Each edition reinforces the importance of collaboration in shaping an inclusive and resilient financial services landscape. The conversations and partnerships sparked on this platform are driving real change within fintech and beyond. Looking ahead, TechConnect will remain a vital touchpoint for navigating emerging trends, strengthening compliance, and unlocking new opportunities for the industry.鈥�

Under her coordination, the initiative has continued to sharpen its focus, enhance participant experience, and broaden its appeal among decision-makers. The platform has grown from a corporate event to a recognised industry forum 鈥� one that brings together diverse viewpoints and promotes shared learning.

Today, TechConnect serves as a space where stakeholders can collectively examine emerging trends, discuss regulatory expectations, and chart pathways for sustainable digital growth. As the financial services industry continues to transform, the series remains a valuable touchpoint for organisations seeking clarity, connection, and strategic direction.

The ongoing evolution of TechConnect reflects Interswitch鈥檚 commitment not only to technological development, but also to strengthening the dialogue and collaboration necessary to unlock the full value of innovation across Africa鈥檚 digital economy.