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  • Nigeria Celebrates Femi Osofisan at 80 with Week-Long Festival of Theatre, Film and Intellectual Discourse

    Nigeria Celebrates Femi Osofisan at 80 with Week-Long Festival of Theatre, Film and Intellectual Discourse

    CELEBRATIONS of the 80th birthday anniversary of one of Africa’s venerable culture personality, playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist, Professor Femi Osofisan, kicked off on Monday, June 8 with a presentation of one of his satires, Love’s Unlike Lading, at the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre of the University of Ibadan. Featuring students and staff of the Department of Theatre Arts, UI, the presentation ran for three days, concluding with a Command Performance on Wednesday, June 10.

    First published in 2012, Love’s Unlike Lading: A Comedy from Shakespeare, is a striking Nigerian re-reading of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. This is, however, only a taste of the feast of theatrical productions that have been earmarked to feature in the scheduled 8-day celebration of the multi-skilled culture icon, who is also known for his pen name, Okinba Launko.

    Other productions are Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contests, directed by Bunmi Adedina and featuring theatre students and faculty of the Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Ijanikin; No More the Wasted Breed, directed by Segun ‘Oriade’ Adefila for the Crown Troupe of Africa; Medaaye, directed by Tunde Awosanmi, featuring students and staff of University of Ibadan; and The Engagement, directed by Adedapo Treasure for Fadaka.

    Programme Outline

    The landmark birthday anniversary of the distinguished playwright, critic, poet and public intellectual, whose work has shaped generations of artists, scholars and audiences across the world, continues in three venues in Lagos later in the week, with a rich programme of activities including performances, screenings and conversations as outlined below:

    • Lagos (June 11–15, 2026)
    • Ibadan (June 17–18, 2026).

    June 11–15  2026

    The Department of Theatre Arts, Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos, will stage a three‑day stage production of Osofisan’s acclaimed play Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest (June 11–13). Directed by Bunmi Adedina, the production will run daily at 2:00pm, with a Command Performance at 1.00 pm on June 11. The Command Performance will be hosted by the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye.

    On June 13 and 14, events move to Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos, with the performance by Crown Troupe of Africa of Osofisan’s No More the Wasted Breed, directed by Segun Adefila.

    On June 14, dramatist and culture communicator, Ben Omowafola Tomoloju with deliver a Talk titled The Femi Osofisan I Know at JRandle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos at 3.00 pm. This will be followed by the unveiling of 100 SONGS OF FEMI OSOFISAN, produced by Semoore Badejo for Concrete Studios.

    Roundtable: “Femi Osofisan’s Drama and the Deconstruction of the Nigerian Postcolonial State” – featuring scholars, practitioners and admirers reflecting on Femi Osofisan’s legacy. Time 4.00pm

    Speakers include: Baba Agba Tunde Kelani, filmmaker, culture advocate; Professor Mabel Evwierhoma, theatre and culture scholar, University of Abuja; Professor Akin Adesokan, culture and media scholar, Indiana University, Bloomington, USA; Professor Razinat Mohammed, writer and literary scholar, University of Abuja; Dr. Onyekaba Cornel-Best, theatre and media scholar, University of Lagos; Professor Ifure Ufford-Azorbo, theatre practitioner and scholar, University of Uyo; Israel Eboh, theatre director and former President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners, NANTAP. It will be moderated by Jahman Anikulapo, culture curator and communicator.

    Guests will enjoy a screening of Maami, adapted for film by Tunde Kelani from Osofisan’s original work. The screening begins at 6:00pm.

    The Lagos programme concludes on 15 June with a second Roundtable at 4:00 pm, which would feature a treat on the theme: Interpreting Femi Osofisan for the Stage. Speakers are: Professor Grace Adinku, Performance and Visual Arts Studies Scholar, Texas A & M University, USA; Dr Teju Kareem, theatre practitioner, CEO Zmirage Multimedia Company; Dr Toyin Ogundeji, theatre practitioner, teacher, Obafemi Awolowo University; Professor Rasheedat Liman, theatre teacher and culture scholar; Mrs Joke Silva (Jacobs); veteran actress and culture entrepreneur; Segun Adefila, theatre practitioner and President Guild of Nigerian Dancers, GOND; and Makinde Adeniran, theatre director, President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners, NANTAP. It will be moderated by Professor Tunji Azeez, theatre teacher, scholar and President of Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, SONTA.

    The Roundtable will be followed by a screening of Cordelia, an adaptation of Osofisan’s novella of same title at 6:00pm

    The Talk and Roundtables will also be accessible via Zoom. To attend virtually, audiences may register using the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8q1R0ZdaQrGNBrbDEY4YRA

    On June 17–18 2026, the celebrations continue at the Staff Club, University of Ibadan, beginning on June 17 with a recorded presentation of Yungba Yungba and the Dance Contest as performed at the University of Ghana, Legon, directed by Grace Adinku. The screening starts at 2:00 pm, and is followed by a Q&A.

    The Ibadan programme concludes on 18 June with a recorded performance of Farewell to a Cannibal Rage, staged at Texas A&M University and directed by Grace Adinku. The screening begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Roundtable session and Tributes

    Prof Femi Osofisan was born at Erunwon on the 16th June 1946, Femi Osofisan (aka Okinba Launko) had his secondary education at the Government College, Ibadan and then proceeded to the University of Ibadan where, after a year abroad in Dakar, Senegal, he obtained an Honours degree in French in 1966. Eight years later, after aborting his postgraduate studies in Paris, he returned to Ibadan to obtain his PhD in 1974, and then joined the faculty as an Assistant Lecturer. He rose to the post of Professor in 1985, and was made Emeritus Professor in 2014 on retirement. Osofisan has published over 40 plays, five novellas, six volumes of poetry, as well as the acclaimed biography of J.P. Clark, entitled, J.P. Clark: A Voyage. A former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors [ANA], of PEN-Nigeria and the Pan African Writers Association [PAWA], Osofisan has been the recipient of several Fellowships and Awards, including the French National Order of Merit Award (1991); the University of Ibadan Faculty of Arts Distinguished Alumnus Award (2001); the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award for the Humanities (2004); and the prestigious Fonlon-Nichols Award (2005). In 2006, he became a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters. He is married to the first female Professor of Computer Science in Africa, Professor Adenike Osofisan. They are blessed with children and grandchildren.

  • Truecaller Lite Expands Caller Id And Scam Protection To Millions Of Android Users Across Nigeria

    Truecaller Lite Expands Caller Id And Scam Protection To Millions Of Android Users Across Nigeria

    Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication, today announced the expansion of Truecaller Lite, a new app designed specifically for entry-level Android smartphones, following its early launch in Nigeria.

    Nigeria was one of the first markets in the world to receive Truecaller Lite, and the response from Nigerian users helped validate the product before this expansion to 11 more markets across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

    In Nigeria, where entry-level Android devices are among the most widely owned smartphones, Truecaller Lite is distributed through both the Google Play Store and Partner OEM channels. This places fraud protection directly on the devices millions of Nigerians already carry, rather than asking them to find space they do not have.

    Many of the markets experiencing the fastest growth in spam and fraud are also those where entry-level Android devices remain the most common way people access the internet. These devices often face limitations in storage, memory, and processing power that can make running feature-rich applications more challenging. Truecaller Lite was built to address that gap.

    At just 10 MB, Truecaller Lite is a separate, native Android app designed from the ground up for devices with limited resources. It is a new product, not a reduced version of the main Truecaller app. The app delivers the protections users rely on most, including caller ID, spam and fraud blocking, default dialer, number search, and contacts, while remaining fast, lightweight, and reliable on entry-level smartphones. The protection is the same as the main app, drawing on the same Truecaller database that identified more than 68 billion spam and fraud calls worldwide in 2025.

    Fraud and unwanted communication continue to rise in Nigeria. In 2025, Nigeria was the most spammed country in Africa, with 51 per cent of all unknown calls received by Nigerian users identified as spam or fraud, more than one in every two. Many of the markets most affected by these trends are also those where entry-level Android devices dominate, which makes accessible protection more important than ever. Nigeria remains a priority market for Truecaller.

    “Safe communication should not depend on the phone you have,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller. “The next billion users live in markets where entry-level devices are often the norm. Truecaller Lite is a new product built specifically for them, and it was important for us to provide the same protection from spam and fraud that users expect from Truecaller around the world.”

    Following its initial availability in Nigeria and Colombia earlier this year, Truecaller Lite is now expanding to Kenya, Ghana, Algeria, Chile, Egypt, Iraq, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia, with additional launches planned across emerging markets. In Nigeria, the app can be downloaded on compatible devices through the Google Play Store and the Transsion app store.

  • CEVA Logistics, EFL Africa Launch Joint Venture in Nigeria​

    CEVA Logistics, EFL Africa Launch Joint Venture in Nigeria​

    …Domestic EFL customers in Nigeria gain greater access to global markets

    CEVA Logistics, a global leader in 3PL logistics, and EFL Africa, a leading logistics company in Nigeria, announced today the formation of a joint venture in Nigeria—CEVA EFL Limited. This partnership marks a significant milestone in both companies’ shared ambition to expand their footprints and strengthen their presence in key global markets.​

    As one of the largest and most dynamic logistics markets in the world, Nigeria serves as a strategic gateway to West Africa. The CEVA EFL joint venture strengthens the combined position of CEVA Logistics and EFL in Nigeria, reinforcing the roles of both players in the West African logistics ecosystem.

    CEVA EFL combines EFL’s strong local presence and operational excellence in Nigeria with CEVA Logistics’ extensive global network and end-to-end logistics capabilities. CEVA’s presence in over 170 countries ensures seamless connectivity between Nigeria, West Africa, and the rest of the world. Together, the joint venture will deliver integrated, customer-centric logistics solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses in Nigeria and the surrounding region.​

    Enhanced Capabilities for Customers​

    The joint venture offers a range of consolidated and fast-tracked services to customers in Nigeria, including dedicated barge operations. Shipping containers can be moved from Lagos ports to Inland Container Depots (ICDs) using the JV’s barges, reducing dependence on road networks and significantly shortening transit times.​ The joint venture’s comprehensive ICD infrastructure includes 140,000 square meters of ICD space in two locations, Ikorodu and Apapa, also enclosing an export processing terminal, EPT. .​ In addition, the joint venture offers customs clearance services through its licensed, in-house team, ensuring efficient, reliable customs processing.​

    The joint venture between EFL and CEVA Logistics is driving significant value for Nigeria by bringing a global logistics leader into the market, fostering knowledge transfer to local employees, and empowering EFL to accelerate its growth and strengthen its presence in the region.

    Sylvain Kluba, Vice President of Finance IMEA at CEVA Logistics, said:​“This joint venture represents a bold step forward in our commitment to connecting Nigeria and West Africa to the world. By combining CEVA’s global reach and logistics expertise with EFL’s deep local knowledge and infrastructure, the CEVA EFL joint venture is uniquely positioned to deliver seamless and reliable solutions to our customers. Together, we are creating a logistics ecosystem that drives growth and unlocks new opportunities in this high-potential market.”​

    Yemi Adunola, CEO of EFL, said:​ “We are thrilled to partner with CEVA Logistics to launch CEVA EFL. This collaboration underscores our shared vision of transforming logistics in Nigeria and West Africa. By leveraging our combined strengths, we are not only addressing the challenges of this complex market but also creating value for our customers through efficient, integrated and customer-focused solutions. CEVA EFL is a testament to our commitment to driving progress and fostering economic growth in the region.”​

  • The Bourse Opens Green, Investors gained N 714.33 billion

    The Bourse Opens Green, Investors gained N 714.33 billion

    …The Naira depreciated by 0.05% to close at N 1362.84

    The index opened the week in positive territory, with the All-Share Index (ASI) gaining 0.46% to settle at 243,707.07 points. This positive start extends the recovery momentum seen at the end of the previous week, where the market rebounded into the green after a four day bearish streak.

    Market performance was buoyed by gains in FCMB, ARADEL, FIRSTHOLDCO, MTN. GTCO, and 27 other gainers.

    Consequently, the market’s (YTD) return advanced to 56.61%, while market capitalization appreciated by 0.46% to close at N 156.30 trillion. This upward movement translates to a \714.33 billion gain for investors.

    The market closed mixed today, with three sectors advancing, one declining, and one unchanged. The Oil Gas Index emerged as the day’s top performer, climbing 0.87% on the back of strong investor demand for heavyweights including OANDO, ARADEL, and

    ETERNA The Insurance Index also posted a strong session, ad%Æncing 0.62% as the sector’s gains were firmly anchored by INTENEGINS, CONHALLPLC, LINKASSURE, and SOVRENINS. Close behind, the Banking Index rose 0.59%, driven by positive momentum in FCMB, WEMABANK, ZENITHBANK, and GTCO. Conversely, the Consumer Goods Index suffered a notable hit, sliding 1.33% into negative territory as profit-taking was seen NB. Meanwhile, the Industrial Goods Index closed the trading session completely flat, showing no net movement for the day.

    MARKET ACTIVITY:

    Market activity was positive, as traded volume increased by 17.86% to 717.15 million units, while total value also moved up by 76.38% to settle at

    MARKET BREADTH:
    The market breadth, which measures investor sentiment through the Gainers/Losers ratio, fell to I .07x from 3.55x as 32 stocks appreciated, 30 stocks depreciated, and 69 stocks closed flat.

    The Naira went up by 0.05% to close at N1362.84

  • Igbehinadun Primary School, Somolu Wins 3rd Dacurate Primary School Leadership Quiz

    Igbehinadun Primary School, Somolu Wins 3rd Dacurate Primary School Leadership Quiz

    …300 students. 15 schools. Over ₦1 million in prizes. Lagos crowns its boldest young minds.

    Igbehinadun Primary School, Somolu has won the 3rd Dacurate Primary School Leadership Quiz, defeating 14 other schools in a live grand finale held today at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu, Lagos. Over 300 students and 500 guests attended what was the largest and most competitive edition of the quiz since its founding.

    The annual competition, organised by Dacurate Insight Initiative and backed by the Lagos State Ministry of Education, tests primary school students across 12 categories of knowledge spanning Nigerian history, African leadership, women in history, governance, technology, and international bodies. Students are not drilled on textbook answers. They are examined on how well they understand the world they are about to inherit.

    The 2026 edition drew over 30 schools in the preliminary rounds before narrowing to 15 finalists who competed across rounds of General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Critical Thinking. Lawyer and television host, Timi Agbaje served as Quiz Master, guiding the competition through each round.

    Igbehinadun emerged champions, walking away with the grand prize of ₦300,000 in prizes, including cash scholarships, tech gadgets, and leadership training sessions. Awoyaya Primary School, Victoria Island and Spring Children’s School, Okota placed second and third, receiving ₦200,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

    “At SKLD we have spent 25 years putting resources into classrooms across this country, and we have seen what happens when you give people access and challenge them to rise. Watching these children compete at this level, I am reminded that the raw material has never been the problem. The question has always been whether we build the right environments for it to flourish. Dacurate is one of those environments,“ Tayo Osiyemi, CEO, SKLD Integrated Services & Co-Founder, Harde Business School, said.

    Also speaking, Mateen Korede Taomu, Convener, Dacurate Leadership Quiz said, “What Dacurate stands for is simple: every child deserves to be seen, challenged, and celebrated. Today proved that Nigeria’s next generation is more than ready.”

    The 2026 edition was made possible with the support of MTN, Sosa Fruit Drink, SKLD Integrated Services, and others, whose investment in youth development continues to expand the reach and ambition of the platform.

  • Savannah Energy Posts Strong Four-Month Performance with 8% Increase in Nigeria’s Daily Production

    Savannah Energy Posts Strong Four-Month Performance with 8% Increase in Nigeria’s Daily Production

    Ahead of its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on 1 June 2026, Savannah Energy PLC, the British independent energy company focused around the delivery of Projects that Matter, has provided a trading update on its Nigerian operations and other markets in Africa for the four months to 30 April 2026, reflecting continued operational progress and a strong focus on cash discipline.

    It reports that following the completion of the SIPEC Acquisition in March 2025, the production expansion programme underway at its Stubb Creek has delivered an 8% increase in average gross daily production to 3.1 Kbopd for the period, compared to 2.8 Kbopd during the same period in 2025. Its group average gross daily production for the four-month period stood at 15.7 Kboepd (FY 2025: 18.8 Kboepd) with gas production volumes constrained as a result of the ongoing drilling and operational activity, and customer gas demand.

    The update shows that its Revenues increased by 17% year-on-year to US$104.1 million, compared to US$89.1 million in the same period last year. It also shows that its trade receivables balance declined by 22% to US$395.2 million from US$507.2 million at year-end 2025.

    It also reported cash balances of US$64.7 million during the four-month period, compared to the 31 December 2025 figure of US$42.8 million, with its net debt standing at US$641.7 million compared to the 31 December 2025 figure of US$658.6 million.

    According to the update, Savannah’s cash collections for the four months ended April 30 amounted to US$183.5 million, a 48% increase from the US$89.1 million it received during the same period in 2025.

    Savannah also reported that it has entered into a new £32 million unsecured loan facility with NIPCO plc, its largest shareholder. The facility is structured in two tranches: £20 million available immediately and £12 million available from July 1. The loan carries a 4.5% annual interest rate and has a 36-month term.

    The facility includes a conversion option that allows Savannah to repay the loan through the issuance of new shares at 8 pence per share. NIPCO cannot require conversion, and Savannah is under no obligation to issue shares. The transaction constitutes a related party transaction under AIM rules.

    The report highlighted the operational progress being made across key African assets, including Uquo and Stubb Creek, as well as continued advancement of its wind, solar and hydropower projects. It reports that drilling and completion activities at the Uquo NE well location have now been concluded, with rig-down operations currently underway ahead of mobilisation to the next well.

    It also reports that the flowline installation is in its final stages, with tie-in activities ongoing at the Uquo CPF, while tie-in works at the well pad are expected to commence shortly, with first gas targeted for early July 2026, supporting the higher forecast gas production expected in H2 2026. Site construction activities at the Uquo South exploration well location, it said, are progressing well, with the site expected to be ready by early June 2026, just as conductor piling operations are also ongoing in preparation for the rig move from the Uquo NE location.  

    In Niger, Savannah reports that its Parc Eolien de la Tarka project has made significant progress to date, with the Minister of Energy confirming that the project is on the Government’s list of priority projects. It expects the timing and sequencing of further development activities in relation to the project to be linked to the timing and outcome of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the Government of Niger regarding the R1234 PSC and the potential recommencement of oil activities.

    In Cameroon, negotiations with the Government are at an advanced stage regarding a Joint Development Agreement for the up to 95 MW Bini a Warak hybrid hydroelectric and solar project. This is expected to replace the Memorandum of Agreement signed in April 2023 and secure the terms under which Savannah will collaborate with the Government of Cameroon to further develop the project.

    Andrew Knott, CEO of Savannah Energy, said, “Savannah continues to deliver against the nine core focus areas we set out for the business at the start of 2025. In Nigeria, we have seen a significant improvement in cash collections, with a 48% year-on-year increase in the first four months of the year, alongside a 17% year-on-year increase in Revenues and a 22% reduction in our trade receivables balance since year-end 2025. This reflects our ongoing focus on disciplined cash collections and receivables management, which remains a key priority for the business this year.  Operationally, we are advancing a number of important projects, including the drilling of two new gas wells at the Uquo field, and the production expansion programme at Stubb Creek which has already delivered an 8% increase in average daily production (compared to the first four months of 2025). In our power division, we continue to progress our greenfield wind, solar and hydro portfolio. Alongside this, we continue to pursue further value-accretive acquisitions across both hydrocarbons and power, with several opportunities under active discussion.  We are also pleased to have secured a new £32 million loan facility from NIPCO plc (“NIPCO”), our largest shareholder, strengthening our financial flexibility and further underpinning our confidence in delivering continued operational, financial and strategic progress through 2026 and 2027.”

  • MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum

    MultiChoice Nigeria Strengthens Dealer Partnerships at Engagement Forum

    MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with its dealer network at the MultiChoice Dealer Enterprise 2.0 forum held on Monday in Lagos. 

    The forum brought together the company’s mega dealers across Nigeria to discuss evolving market realities, customer expectations and new initiatives designed to support long-term business growth.

    In her opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, described dealers as critical partners in the company’s growth journey and customer experience delivery.

    “Our dealers remain the bridge between our business and millions of customers across the country. As the market evolves, it is important that our partnership model also evolves to ensure sustainable growth and shared value across the ecosystem,” she said.

    The company unveiled enhancements to its dealer engagement across its DStv and GOtv businesses, reinforcing its commitment to supporting dealer profitability, operational growth and long-term sustainability.

    Speaking on the initiatives, Chimaobi Eluigwe, Vice President, Sales, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the move reflects MultiChoice Nigeria’s intention to build a stronger and more rewarding partnership while positioning the dealer network for future growth.

    “We are intentional about creating opportunities that allow our dealers to grow sustainably with the business. This is about strengthening partnerships, improving value creation and ensuring our dealers remain well-positioned for the future,” he said.

    Dealers at the forum welcomed the initiatives, describing them as a positive step toward strengthening collaboration and improving business confidence.

    According to Cordelia Ikeanyi, Managing Director at Eastland General Resources, the renewed engagement and enhanced benefits structure demonstrate MultiChoice Nigeria’s commitment to recognising the value dealers bring to the business.

    “This is a step in the right direction for dealers. The improved communication and engagement from MultiChoice have made partners feel more valued and included, and the new initiatives will support business expansion and help us explore untapped opportunities,” she said.

    Also speaking at the forum, Ifeanyi Onyibo, CEO of Radac Communications Limited, noted that dealers have experienced more engagement and clearer communication in recent months, describing the renewed approach as a positive development for the dealer ecosystem.

    “There has been a noticeable improvement in communication and engagement, and initiatives like this give partners greater confidence in the direction of the business,” he said.

    The forum also featured a feedback session where dealers shared market insights, customer trends, and recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening customer experience across the country.

    Awards were presented to top-performing dealers in recognition of their sales performance, customer service excellence and commitment to growing the MultiChoice business nationwide. 

    With the Dealer Enterprise 2.0, MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with dealers to strengthen partnerships, improve collaboration and drive shared growth across the country. 

  • Strait of Hormuz Closure Stifles Nigeria’s Fragrance Business, Says Sirtified Perfumes CEO

    Strait of Hormuz Closure Stifles Nigeria’s Fragrance Business, Says Sirtified Perfumes CEO

    Adetayo Olowookere, CEO of Sirtified Perfumes and founder of the Dhamma perfume brand (including FAB-LAB and ARO-FAC perfumes), has lamented the ripple effects of the Strait of Hormuz closure. He explained that the disruption has driven global crude prices higher, severely increasing the cost of importing goods into Nigeria.

    According to Olowookere, many entrepreneurs are bearing the brunt of the escalating Middle East crisis. With key regional infrastructure damaged, maritime transporters are forced to take longer alternate routes, drastically increasing transit times, freight charges, and insurance costs.

    Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Dhamma Perfumes remains committed to sustaining customer satisfaction and delivering positive experiences. He urged the government to introduce policies that make access to foreign exchange more favourable for business owners, especially importers.

    “The conflict has begun to reprice energy, shipping, insurance, aviation, and financial risk. For global markets, the question is no longer whether oil rises on alarming headlines, but whether the war has turned the Strait of Hormuz from a routine geopolitical premium into a real supply disruption with broader consequences for inflation, currencies, and emerging markets. The entire value chain is in dire straits,” he said.

    Olowookere further noted that military escalations and port closures have brought daily ship transits to a near halt, stranding hundreds of vessels and thousands of sailors. He described the halt in shipments as a “nightmare scenario” for global markets and particularly devastating for fragrance businesses heavily reliant on imports.

    Speaking to beauty and style correspondents at his office in Akwa Ibom Plaza, Shop A94, Trade Fair International Market, LASU-Ojo Road, Lagos, Olowookere expressed displeasure over the impact of high exchange rates, which he said is stifling the fragrance industry.
    He encouraged Nigerians to embrace fragrances with soothing qualities that reduce tension, create tranquillity, and build confidence. He highlighted the importance of premium, long-lasting perfumes made with environmentally friendly materials.

    Sirtified Perfumes and More, he added, is proud to be a refined brand offering extraordinary experiences and showcasing the therapeutic effects of fragrance.  

    “We have been in this business for two decades, and we will never compromise standards or disappoint our customers. Most first-time buyers end up becoming our ambassadors. While we acknowledge God’s goodness, we also appeal to the government to introduce economic policies that ease exchange rate challenges. The UN should also intervene to halt growing tensions in the Middle East, especially the rift between America and Iran,” he said.

    On affordability, Olowookere stressed that his products are priced to suit the average Nigerian.  

    “One of my goals was to ensure people can afford our perfumes regardless of their status. Our hotline +234808 740 2121 is always busy with calls from partners who commend our integrity. We will never overprice ourselves out of the market. Our prices are reasonable compared to others, and we cater to all demographics—young, old, and middle-class. Patronage across Africa has been overwhelming, and the feedback has been very encouraging,” he added.

  • ‘Jide Adeyemi Unveils “Life Guide,” Advocates Purpose, Good Leadership and National Transformation

    ‘Jide Adeyemi Unveils “Life Guide,” Advocates Purpose, Good Leadership and National Transformation

    Brand strategist, ‘Jide Adeyemi, has urged Nigerians to embrace purposeful living, intentional leadership, and value-driven nation-building as a roadmap to personal and national transformation.

    Adeyemi made the call during the Life Guide Colloquium in Lagos, where he officially presented his book titled Life Guide: Stories, Lessons and Insights to Empower Your Journey.

    Speaking during the event, he emphasized the need for clarity, direction, and strong values in a world filled with distractions and uncertainty.

    “We are trying to provide a map through which people can navigate life,” he said, explaining that the colloquium was created to help individuals find clarity of purpose across leadership, business, faith, and personal development.

    Adeyemi noted that quality leadership remains essential for building strong institutions and thriving societies, stressing that effective communication, faith, vision, and responsible citizenship are intertwined pillars of nation-building.

    According to him, the newly released book challenges readers to rethink their approach to life, embrace integrity, and pursue growth with intentionality.

    The event featured renowned comedian and entrepreneur, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, as keynote speaker. Speaking on the theme, “Influence Engineering,” Alibaba encouraged Nigerians to consciously develop their talents into assets capable of creating value and opportunities for others.

    “Potential is where to start from, but you have to develop it enough to the point where people begin to seek it for commercial or societal value,” he said.

    The colloquium also featured panel sessions focused on nation building, leadership, branding, wisdom for growth, and faith-driven influence. The Nation Building panel featured Babatunde Ogala, SAN; Nike Oyetunde-Lawal; Gboyega Akosile; and JJ Omojuwa, who examined issues around governance, responsible citizenship, leadership accountability, and the role of young professionals in shaping Nigeria’s future.

    The Brand and Wisdom for Growth panel had Lanre Adisa of Noah’s Ark, Segun Ogunleye of Diageo, Olalekan Fadolapo, and Tolulope Medebem discussing brand positioning, strategic communication, innovation, business growth, and the importance of consistency in building lasting influence and credibility.

    The Leadership and Faith in God panel featured Gbenga Olorunfemi, Hon. Seyi Adisa, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, Chairman Abeokuta North Local Government, Ogun State, and Paschal Dike. Discussions centered on ethical leadership, faith-based governance, resilience, mentorship, and balancing ambition with values in public and private life.

    The event was chaired by Chief Babajide Olatunde-Agbeja, Chairman of AIICO Insurance Brokers Limited, while the book was reviewed by Dr. Adekunbi Wuraola, CEO of Discover Your Potential, who described Life Guide as a reflective and practical framework for leadership and intentional living.

    The colloquium attracted professionals, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, business leaders, and young Nigerians from different sectors for conversations centered on leadership, influence, innovation, and purposeful living.

  • Jumia Nigeria Records Strong Q1 2026 Growth as Technology-Led Strategy Drives Market Expansion

    Jumia Nigeria Records Strong Q1 2026 Growth as Technology-Led Strategy Drives Market Expansion

    Jumia has announced strong first-quarter 2026 performance results, with Nigeria emerging as one of the company’s standout growth markets across Africa, reinforcing the country’s position as a critical driver of the company’s long-term expansion strategy.

    According to the company’s Q1 2026 financial results released May 7th, 2026, Nigeria recorded a 42% year-on-year increase in physical goods Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), making it one of Jumia’s strongest-performing markets during the period.

    Commenting on the performance, Temidayo Ojo, CEO of Jumia Nigeria, said, “Nigeria continues to demonstrate the strength and resilience of its digital commerce ecosystem. The growth we recorded in Q1 reflects increasing consumer confidence, stronger engagement across our platform, and our continued investment in technology, logistics, and customer experience.”

    “We are seeing more Nigerians embrace e-commerce not just for convenience, but as a trusted part of everyday life. Our focus remains on building a platform that is more accessible, more reliable, and more relevant to the evolving needs of Nigerian consumers and sellers,” Ojo further mentioned.

    The company attributed its broader growth trajectory to disciplined execution, operational efficiency, and increased deployment of technology and AI-driven systems across its operations. According to the report, Jumia leveraged artificial intelligence and automation across operations, finance, customer support, cybersecurity, seller management, logistics, and technology teams to improve service quality while reducing operational costs company-wide.

    The company also noted that technology and content expenses declined year-on-year due to ongoing headcount optimisation and savings from renegotiated technology contracts, while operational leverage continued to improve. They further highlighted increased use of AI tools among its technology teams, alongside automation in call centres and operational systems, as part of efforts to scale sustainably while improving efficiency across African markets.

    Across the platform, Jumia reported significant gains in customer retention and marketplace engagement. Quarterly Active Customers reached 2.5 million, while physical goods orders climbed to 5.9 million in Q1 2026.

    The company also expanded usage beyond major urban centres, with 62% of total orders now coming from secondary cities and upcountry regions, emphasising the growing reach of digital commerce across Africa.

    Despite global economic pressures, including rising memory chip and CPU prices and supply chain disruptions linked to ongoing Middle East conflicts, the company reaffirmed its path toward profitability. Jumia stated that it remains on track to achieve Adjusted EBITDA breakeven and positive cash flow in Q4 2026, with full-year profitability targeted for 2027.

  • FDI: Invest in Lagos 3.0 to attract N4tr

    FDI: Invest in Lagos 3.0 to attract N4tr

    The Lagos State Government is set to host the third edition of its flagship investment forum, ‘Invest in Lagos 3.0’, with the target to attract both local and foreign direct investment worth N4trillion. The summit is scheduled to be held from Monday, June 08 to Tuesday, June 09, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos state, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

    The summit, which will attract experts and business leaders from the fifty-six Commonwealth nations, is conceived to position Lagos as Africa’s leading sub-national hub for capital flows, trade integration, financial innovation, and infrastructure development.

    Speaking during a press conference held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Eko Hotel & Suites, the Co-Chair, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Invest Lagos Summit 3.0 & Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem declared that outcomes from Invest in Lagos Summit 3.0 will build on and surpass the achievements of the previous editions with greater depth, stronger global engagement, and clearer implementation pathways”.

    Ambrose-Medebem explained the high-level forum, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway to Africa -Where Innovation Meets Capital” is expected to feature investment opportunities across key priority sectors including infrastructure, industrialisation, the digital economy, agriculture, energy transition, logistics, financial services, real estate, and SME development.

    “Lagos sits at the centre of the African economic story. With a population in excess of 23 million people, a GDP that ranks among the largest city economies on the continent, expanding infrastructure, a vibrant innovation ecosystem, a growing industrial base, and one of the busiest seaports in Africa, Lagos remains uniquely positioned as the preferred destination for investment, trade, manufacturing, finance, technology, and enterprise development”, she said.

    In his remarks at the conference, the Co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee & Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Sam Egube, disclosed that more than twenty-nine global speakers from across the different countries of the world and industries have confirmed attendance

    “This summit will move conversation into measurable outcomes. In fact, the summit will spotlight key sectors including technology, infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, energy, environment, and the creative economy “, he added.

    With this Summit, Lagos is determined to translate investment conversations into deployable channels and maintain commitment to the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 as well as the T.H.E.M.E.S+ policy framework of the current administration designed to stimulate socio-economic development in the state.

    It is expected that the 500 to 600 high-level delegates comprising innovators, global institutions, sovereign wealth funds, development finance institutions, multilateral institutions, structured finance specialists, trade networks across the Commonwealth, and senior public officials confirmed for attendance will share perspectives that will ease movement of conversations into measurable outcomes.

    Among the key guests already confirmed for the summit are the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Hon. Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the Chair, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), Lord Marland; The Secretary-General, Commonwealth, Hon. Shirley Botchwey; the Co-Chair, Lagos Finance & Investment Council (LFIC) Mr. Aig Imoukhouede; Chief Growth & AI Officer, Middle East & Africa, Microsoft, Tomiwa Williams; MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria, Olusegun Alebiosu; MD/CEO, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman; MD/CEO, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja; Chairman, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Segun Ogunsanya; Vice President, Adani Group, Shahzad Athar and CEO, Benoy, Tom Cartledge.

    As a summit designed to drive private sector investment, stimulate enterprise growth, expand value chains, strengthen the fiscal sustainability of Lagos, Invest in Lagos 3.0 is more than a mechanism for economic growth acceleration, but also a platform for showcasing the investment sustainability of Lagos and a catalyst for structured engagement with capital providers.

  • The Machine Era of Spam: Nigeria Is Africa’s Most Spammed Country

    The Machine Era of Spam: Nigeria Is Africa’s Most Spammed Country

    …A phone call used to mean a person on the other end. In Nigeria, that is no longer a safe assumption.

    Nigeria is the most spammed country in Africa. In 2025, 51% of all unknown calls received by Nigerians were identified as spam or fraud, more than one in every two. Nigeria ranks 8th globally and sits at the top of the African league table, ahead of South Africa (30%), Kenya (around 15%), Ghana (around 11%), and Ethiopia (around 9%). The data is drawn from Truecaller, the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication, with over 500 million users worldwide.


    What makes Nigeria’s story different is who is making the calls. In Indonesia and Mexico, financial services impersonation is the dominant lure, accounting for over 40% of spam. In Chile, automated debt collection drives 38% of all spam. In Nigeria, the dominant category is Telecom and operator-linked outreach, which accounts for 35% of all spam, the highest single-category concentration of any African market in the report. Sales and telemarketing follow at 10%, with scams at 6%.


    The implications for Nigerian users are clear. When automated outreach from carriers and unverified third-party agents dominates the calls landing on a Nigerian SIM, the lines between a legitimate service update, a promotional push, and outright fraud begin to collapse. A user can no longer reliably tell whether an unknown call is the network confirming a data plan, a third party selling a loan, or a scammer wearing a familiar operator’s face. The same pattern shows up in Brazil, the only other major market where operator-linked calls dominate the spam landscape.

    The Nigerian numbers sit inside a larger global story. Indonesia is the most spammed country in the world, with 79% of unknown calls flagged as spam in 2025. Chile follows at 70%, up from 51% in just six months. Vietnam, Brazil, and India round out the global top five. Across South America and Southeast Asia, automated systems now drive more than 70% of unknown calls in some markets. In late 2025, the combined Middle East and Africa region crossed 100 million monthly active users on Truecaller, with Africa representing one of the platform’s fastest-growing communities.
     

    The cost of this saturation is rarely a single fraudulent transfer. It is a slow erosion of trust in the phone itself. When most unknown calls are spam, people stop answering. Doctors, schools, dispatch riders, banks, and legitimate Nigerian businesses then compete for attention on a device that experience has trained users to ignore. Missed calls become missed appointments, delayed information, dropped revenue, and customer relationships that quietly fade away.
     

    “The scale of what this data shows should concern everyone. Fraud, impersonation, and scams are affecting people’s daily lives in a way we have never seen before. In some countries, most unknown calls are now spam, that is a fundamental breakdown in how communication works. Our mission is to build trust in communication, and in 2026, we are focused on stopping fraud before it reaches people,” said Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller.
     

    On March 31, 2026, Truecaller crossed 500 million monthly active users, with more than 150 million outside India. The full Spam and Fraud Report, including the complete top 10 ranking and regional breakdown, is available at the Truecaller Insights page.

  • MultiChoice strengthens West Africa’s creative future with new MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates

    MultiChoice strengthens West Africa’s creative future with new MultiChoice Talent Factory graduates

    MultiChoice, a Canal + Company, through the MultiChoice Talent Factory West Africa Academy, has celebrated the graduation of a new cohort of aspiring filmmakers from across the region, including Nigeria and Ghana, marking another milestone in developing young talent for Africa’s film and television industry.

    The graduation comes at a time when West Africa’s film and television sector continues to gain global recognition, driven by growing demand for authentic local stories, increased investment in African content and the rapid evolution of digital viewing platforms.

    A total of 20 students completed the intensive nine-month programme, delivered in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University. The curriculum blends academic excellence with hands-on industry exposure, offering specialised training in directing, producing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing.

    Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean, School of Media & Communication, Pan Atlantic University, noted, “This is the end of a phase, but only the beginning of your journey. You must commit to continuous learning, collaboration, and curiosity. The industry does not reward complacency, it rewards those who are intentional about growth.”

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    MultiChoice Talent Factory alumni are making their mark across Africa’s entertainment industry, collaborating with leading production companies and earning recognition through the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and other prestigious platforms.

    The Academy’s reputation as a powerhouse of innovation was on full display this year

    through the entrepreneurial spirit of its students. Demonstrating their readiness for the business of film, five graduates launched two independent companies during the academic year: Muri Marun Stories, a production house founded by Tolulope Akande, Opeyemi Obasa, and Dorathy Ufot; and CineX Mart Ltd, a marketing and distribution firm established by Abdulsalam Ibrahim Oladimeji and Audu Israel Yakubu.

    In recognition of this innovation, Muri Marun Stories Limited was announced as the recipient of the CEO’s Entrepreneurial Award, accompanied by a ₦2 million prize to support the company’s growth. CineX Mart Limited also received special recognition for its strong business potential and early industry traction.

    CineX Mart is already making significant industry inroads, having successfully placed the short film The Phone Call on Minflix and managing the marketing for the MTF film Trouble for Two.

    Individual creative excellence was equally prominent, with student Kwaku Edusei Acquah earning the Audience Choice Award at the Lift-Off Global Network Film Festival for his film. The Imperfect Plan, alongside notable projects from peers Amirat Yakub and Emmanuella Nwachukwu.

    Further recognising his outstanding creativity, Kwaku Edusei Acquah was awarded the Creative Innovator Award by the University for the Creative Arts, presented by Seyi Agboola, Senior International Recruitment Manager. The award comes with a £1,500 prize to support his continued development.

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    Kemi Omotosho, CEO, MultiChoice Nigeria, said, “This graduation marks a defining moment not just for these students, but for the future of African storytelling. They are no longer learners, but part of a distinguished creative community shaping narratives across the continent. Through their work, they are already creating jobs, inspiring communities, and positioning African stories where they belong; at the centre of the global stage.”

    MTF’s long-term impact is best mirrored in the global success of its alumni. Most recently, the Class of 2021’s digital platform, Filmmakers Mart, received World Bank Group support to fuel a five-country expansion. Furthermore, Blessing Bulus earned the Women in Arts Impact Grant for the documentary Mi Tazi, while Ebuwa Desmond Ekunwe secured a prestigious fellowship at Germany’s Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

    Additionally, Alice Johnson has stepped into a key leadership role at the Goethe-Institute, coordinating Africa-Europe cultural partnerships.

    By investing in these young creatives, MultiChoice continues to build a sustainable

    ecosystem that ensures African stories are told by African voices. Since its launch in 2018, the MTF has become a cornerstone of the continent’s creative economy, proving that its graduates are not just entering the industry—they are actively shaping the future of global Cinema.

    With this new cohort now entering the professional sphere, MultiChoice remains steadfast in its commitment to backing the next generation of West African filmmakers as they bring the region’s vibrant stories to the world stage.

  • Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others Named in TIME 100 Most Influential People for 2026

    Dangote, Pope Leo XIV, Trump, Xi Jinping, others Named in TIME 100 Most Influential People for 2026

    Renowned African industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2026, reaffirming his standing as one of the most successful and iconic business leaders of his generation.

    Dangote joins global influential figures from multiple sectors, including political leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, revered Pope Leo XIV, current head of the Catholic Church as well as business and technology leaders including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.

    The annual TIME100 list, published on April 15, 2026, recognises global figures whose leadership, ideas, and actions are shaping the future across business, politics, culture, and society. Dangote’s inclusion places him alongside prominent international figures drawn from diverse spheres of global influence.

    This marks Dangote’s second appearance on the prestigious TIME100 list, following his first recognition in 2014, when he was honoured for his exceptional impact on business and philanthropy. His return to the list more than a decade later underscores the consistency and scale of his influence on the global stage.

    Dangote, who is being recognized for his African industrial drive is the only Nigerian on the list and featured in the titan and innovators category. Other prominent honorees named alongside Dangote in the titan category are Reid Wiseman, Commander of the Artemis II mission to the moon; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet and Neal Mohan, CEO of YouTube.

    Also featuring prominently under the titan category are Michael and Susan Dell, the high-profile American tech billionaires and philanthropists best known as the founders of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, a global non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of children living in urban poverty. Included here also is the American designer and billionaire, Ralph Lauren, best known for founding the global lifestyle empire Ralph Lauren Corporation.

    Recognised in the Pioneer category are individuals with breakthroughs in Science and Social Advocacy, such as Kiran Musunuru and Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas, both of whom were cited for medical breakthroughs in genetic therapy, as well as Aaron Williams, recognised for advancements in heart transplant readiness.

    Influential figures recognized in global entertainment and culture include Ranbir Kapoor, prominent Indian actor; Dakota Johnson, recognized as an actress and cultural icon and Kate Hudson, included for her cultural influence.

    As Founder and President of Dangote Group—Africa’s largest indigenous industrial conglomerate—Dangote has played a central role in advancing industrialisation across the continent. Under his leadership, the Group has made landmark investments spanning cement manufacturing, sugar and food processing, agriculture, infrastructure, and lately energy, significantly reducing Africa’s reliance on imports while creating millions of direct and indirect jobs.

    In its citation, TIME Magazine highlighted Dangote’s vision of building African industries with local resources for global competitiveness, noting his recent investments in large‑scale energy and manufacturing infrastructure as emblematic of his long‑term commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.

    Beyond business, Dangote is widely acclaimed for his philanthropic leadership through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), one of Africa’s largest private philanthropic organisations. The Foundation supports critical initiatives across healthcare, nutrition, education, disaster relief, and economic empowerment, contributing to improved outcomes for vulnerable communities across the continent.

    The 2026 TIME100 recognition further reflects a broader global acknowledgement of African leadership, innovation, and enterprise, with Dangote standing as a symbol of the continent’s growing influence in shaping global economic and development narratives.

    This latest honour consolidates Aliko Dangote’s legacy as a visionary industrialist and philanthropist, whose work continues to drive sustainable development, inclusive growth, and long‑term value creation—both within Africa and beyond.

    Under his leadership, Dangote Group recently launched Vision 2030, with which Dangote Industries aims to transform from a regional $30 billion conglomerate into a $100 billion global powerhouse by 2030.

    This strategy focuses on industrial self-sufficiency for Africa, moving the group from “regional dominance to global relevance”. 

    Dangote said the roadmap to vision 2030 is divided into phases to “supercharge” the group’s expansion; with phase one spanning 2025-2028, focused on scaling existing businesses—cement, fertiliser, and energy—and optimising assets for international competitiveness.

    Phase two, running from 2028-2030, is for deploying new businesses and ventures into global markets to drive the final leap toward the $100 billion revenue target. The Dangote Group plans to expand into steel manufacturing, power generation, and deep-sea ports to address industrial bottlenecks across Africa. 

    This recognition by Time Magazine underscores the growing global recognition of African leadership and innovation and highlights Aliko Dangote’s enduring influence as a visionary committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    The 2026 list underscores the expanding global visibility of African leadership and Dangote’s continued influence as a leading industrialist and philanthropist.