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Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF Partnership Paves the Way for Youth Empowerment Through Digital Learning and Job Creation

Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF Partnership Paves the Way for Youth Empowerment Through Digital Learning and Job Creation

 

 

In an ambitious bid to bridge the digital divide and bolster youth empowerment, Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s younger generation by hosting the 2024 GenU 9JA Steering Committee meeting at its Banana Island headquarters this Tuesday. The event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU), focused on assessing the progress of initiatives designed to equip Nigerian youth with essential digital skills, increase employment opportunities, and create entrepreneurial pathways.

As part of its broader goals, Airtel Nigeria, in partnership with UNICEF, has embarked on a mission to connect schools across the country to the internet and provide access to open educational platforms. Two key resources, Yoma and the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), have emerged as cornerstones of this digital initiative. Both platforms offer access to a variety of learning modules and skill-building exercises, allowing young Nigerians to explore academic subjects, develop professional competencies, and gain exposure to a dynamic digital workforce.

Airtel Nigeria’s partnership with UNICEF aims to reach 20 million young Nigerians by 2030, transforming them into a digitally skilled workforce that can drive Nigeria’s economic growth. This ambitious target reflects the company’s commitment to national development by ensuring that young people not only have the skills to thrive in digital sectors but are also positioned to become innovators and job creators themselves.

In his address to the committee, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer emphasized the importance of this initiative in positioning Nigerian youth as future leaders in a globalized digital economy. “The future of Nigeria lies in the potential of our youth, and at Airtel, we are determined to give them the tools they need to succeed. Through initiatives like GenU, we are working to provide accessible, high-quality digital education that can inspire and empower millions of young Nigerians,” he stated.No alt text provided for this image

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of the Young People’s Action Teams (YPATs), groups of young advocates actively involved in driving awareness and engagement for GenU’s initiatives. Airtel Nigeria praised these youth leaders for their courage, vision, and dedication to uplifting their communities. The YPATs serve as both the face and the heart of this movement, embodying the power of youth-led change and innovation.

Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF’s commitment to youth empowerment is expected to have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s workforce. With millions of young Nigerians poised to gain new skills through this initiative, the country’s digital economy stands to benefit significantly from a new wave of tech-savvy talent, equipped not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship.

UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, a global initiative active in over 40 countries, partners with governments, private sector companies, and youth organizations to create education and employment opportunities for young people worldwide. Airtel Nigeria’s partnership with GenU reflects its alignment with global goals for sustainable development, focusing on youth empowerment as a cornerstone for economic and social progress.

The 2024 GenU 9JA Steering Committee meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts of Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF to create a digitally inclusive society. By expanding access to digital tools and knowledge, they are not only providing Nigerian youth with practical skills but also fostering resilience, creativity, and independence among the nation’s future leaders.

As the initiative continues to grow, Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF remain dedicated to achieving a shared vision of a more equitable and digitally advanced Nigeria, setting a powerful example of corporate and humanitarian partnership in Africa.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR OKPEBHOLO ON EDO GOVERNORSHIP INAUGURATION

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES SENATOR OKPEBHOLO ON EDO GOVERNORSHIP INAUGURATION

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State.

In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki.

Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.

He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.

Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for Legal Practice and Investments in Sub-Saharan Africa

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Highlights Challenges and Opportunities for Legal Practice and Investments in Sub-Saharan Africa

 

At the 2024 DALAS Law Dinner in Douala, Cameroon, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria, emphasized both the immense opportunities and significant challenges facing the legal sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Speaking on the theme, “Legal Practice & Investments in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” Prof. Osinbajo underscored the pivotal role of legal professionals in shaping Africa’s economic future.

In his address, he stated, “Africa is emerging as a compelling destination for investment and legal services,” but cautioned that the continent’s ability to fully capitalize on these opportunities hinges on the development of robust regulatory frameworks and strengthening legal capacity. He highlighted Africa’s vast economic potential, noting that legal practitioners must play an active role in ensuring sustainable and equitable growth.

Prof. Osinbajo pointed to the need for improved dispute resolution mechanisms, regulatory transparency, and better governance to foster an environment conducive to investment. He also stressed the importance of addressing issues related to legal education and capacity building to empower the legal community in Africa to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Concluding his remarks, Prof. Osinbajo urged legal professionals to work collectively to create a more conducive legal landscape, which could help Sub-Saharan Africa emerge as a stronger player in the global investment arena.

Charles Uche Emembolu, Founder of Dexude, Reflects on Nigeria’s Innovation Growth at 5th ISN Annual Gathering 2024

Charles Uche Emembolu, Founder of Dexude, Reflects on Nigeria’s Innovation Growth at 5th ISN Annual Gathering 2024

 

The 5th ISN Annual Gathering held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, this month marked a significant milestone in the development of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The event, with the theme “Scaling Together: Building a Collaborative Culture for Nigerian Innovation,” was an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and look ahead at the ambitious goals for the future.

Charles Uche Emembolu, Founder of Dexude and Chairman of the Innovation Support Network (ISN) Board, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the network since its inception in 2019. Emembolu highlighted the impressive growth of ISN, which now supports 207 innovation hubs across 30 states, up from 75 in its early years. The network has also been instrumental in supporting over 5,000 new businesses annually and impacting the lives of more than 42,000 beneficiaries, including youth, women, and people with disabilities.

“We’ve come a long way, and this year’s gathering is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in driving Nigeria’s innovation forward,” said Emembolu. “Our mission is to build partnerships that will help accelerate Nigeria’s growth and empower its people.”

Key collaborations were also highlighted during the gathering, with ISN strengthening ties with organizations such as GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, NITDA, Innovate UK, and the European Union Delegation to Nigeria. These partnerships are central to the continued growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The discussions at the event also focused on the creation of the Nigeria Innovation Fund, a private sector-led initiative aimed at providing vital resources for startups, SMEs, researchers, and innovation hubs. The proposal aims to boost funding for innovation efforts and create jobs within the ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Emembolu shared the network’s ambitious yet achievable goals: increasing funding for startups, fostering deeper collaboration across sectors, and creating more job opportunities. “Together, we’ve built a powerful network, but our journey is far from over,” he emphasized.

The gathering also provided a platform to thank key partners and supporters, including the Akwa Ibom State Government, Akwa Ibom Tech Week, and Charles Udoh, the Commissioner for Arts and Culture for Akwa Ibom State. Special thanks were extended to the ISN Secretariat, board members, partners, and Executive Director Oge Nnaife for their continued commitment and efforts.

The 5th ISN Annual Gathering 2024 ended on an optimistic note, with a commitment to further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leader in digital, creative, technological, and entrepreneurial innovation globally.

About ISN:
The Innovation Support Network (ISN) is a key organization driving Nigeria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It is dedicated to fostering partnerships, supporting startups, and empowering Nigerian innovators.

CIF Announces Historic Climate Finance Milestone with CCMM Listing on London Stock Exchange at COP29

CIF Announces Historic Climate Finance Milestone with CCMM Listing on London Stock Exchange at COP29

 

 

Tariye Gbadegesin, Chief Executive Officer of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), today joined UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and World Bank President Ajay Banga at COP29 to unveil a groundbreaking achievement for climate finance. The CIF Capital Market Mechanism (CCMM) has been officially listed on the London Stock Exchange, marking a global first in climate finance.

This new initiative represents CIF’s most ambitious step yet to mobilize private capital for high-impact clean energy and technology investments, particularly in developing countries and emerging economies. CCMM will empower CIF to unlock the potential of capital markets and drive substantial climate investments worldwide.

“We are proud to take this major leap forward in mobilizing climate finance at scale,” said Gbadegesin. “Bold and creative solutions are essential to tap into private finance, and this listing is a testament to the potential of capital markets in addressing the climate crisis. Our goal is to ensure that high-impact projects in clean energy and technology are supported, especially in regions where they are needed most.”

The listing of CCMM is the culmination of years of collaboration and tireless efforts. Gbadegesin extended her gratitude to the World Bank team for their role as Trustee and Treasury Manager of CCMM, as well as to other top-rated multilateral development banks including the Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, EBRD, IDB, and IFC. Special thanks were also given to key figures like Akinwumi Adesina, Masatsugu Asakawa, Odile Renaud-Basso, Ilan Goldfajn, and Makhtar Diop for their continuous support.

Further appreciation was expressed to the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the US government, and all long-term donors supporting the Clean Technology Fund, including governments in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US.

The CIF’s listing on the London Stock Exchange represents a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change, opening new avenues for investment in clean technology and energy solutions on a global scale. This milestone promises to enhance the funding needed to tackle climate change while benefiting communities in need across the globe.

About Climate Investment Funds (CIF):
CIF is a multilateral climate finance institution committed to scaling up investments in climate solutions. For more information, visit www.climateinvestmentfunds.org.

Dr. Aminu Maida Calls for Consumer Empowerment and Data Transparency at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament

Dr. Aminu Maida Calls for Consumer Empowerment and Data Transparency at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament

 

At the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP), Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the urgent need to empower Nigerian telecom consumers through improved data transparency and consumer awareness. Held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium, the event centered on the theme: “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”

Dr. Maida highlighted the pivotal transformation of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape over the past two decades. From the days of basic voice services, the sector has evolved to deliver high-speed data access, enabling Nigerians to embrace social media, e-commerce, online banking, and other digital services. The introduction of 3G, 4G, and now 5G technologies has expanded possibilities, laying the groundwork for innovations like smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things. However, he stressed that as data consumption increases, driven by digital lifestyles, it is crucial to address growing concerns over data depletion and billing transparency.

Nigerians Leading in Digital Engagement

Dr. Maida presented insightful statistics that showcase Nigeria’s active digital engagement. With over 132 million internet users nationwide, Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, surpassing the global average. This digital immersion is further evidenced by Nigeria’s daily data usage, which in 2024 reached an average of 336 gigabytes per second, a 39% increase over the previous year. Yet, the rising demand for data services is matched by consumer complaints about unexpectedly fast data depletion—a challenge, Dr. Maida noted, not unique to Nigeria but common across various countries.

Analyzing Data Usage: Why Data Depletion Seems Rapid

To address these issues, NCC directed mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) to audit their billing systems. Although no major discrepancies were found, Dr. Maida explained that the perception of rapid data depletion largely stems from the increasing sophistication of devices and the complexity of tariff structures. For example, the shift to 4G and 5G networks, paired with high-definition devices, results in higher data consumption even for standard activities. Social media platforms and streaming services now consume significantly more data than in previous years; watching an hour of YouTube in high definition can use up to 5.4 gigabytes of data.

Consumer Education and Tariff Transparency Initiatives

In response to these challenges, NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage, involving radio, television, newspapers, and SMS. Through this initiative, consumers are educated on managing their data, including tips on device settings to track and limit data usage.

Dr. Maida also announced the Commission’s new Guidance on Tariff Simplification, mandating operators to provide clear and accessible information on data plans and pricing. This transparency, he argued, will empower consumers to make informed choices and better manage their data expenses.

Strengthening the Telecom Value Chain

Underscoring the importance of quality telecom services, Dr. Maida pointed out that service quality depends not only on MNOs but also on the collaboration of stakeholders across the telecom value chain. Tower companies, backhaul service providers, and other infrastructure partners play essential roles. To reinforce service accountability, NCC has updated its guidelines to hold each entity within this chain responsible for their part in delivering high-quality services.

Protecting Infrastructure and Enhancing Consumer Information

Acknowledging the challenges posed by vandalism and theft of telecom assets, Dr. Maida commended the recent Presidential Order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. This measure is expected to protect essential assets, ensuring the industry can continue to serve Nigerian consumers effectively.

Dr. Maida also announced the forthcoming Major Incident Reporting Guidelines and network coverage maps. These tools will require operators to inform consumers of significant service incidents and provide a transparent view of network strengths across the country, enabling consumers to make well-informed decisions.

Towards a Consumer-Centric Telecom Future

Dr. Maida concluded by reaffirming NCC’s commitment to fostering a telecom industry that values, informs, and empowers consumers. He urged participants at the Parliament to engage in open discussions aimed at shaping a consumer-focused telecom ecosystem in Nigeria.

“With sustained commitment,” he said, “we can build an ecosystem where every Nigerian enjoys the benefits of world-class telecommunications services.”

The keynote, received with widespread approval, set a hopeful tone for further discussions at the TCP as stakeholders and consumers alike united around the goal of creating a truly consumer-centric telecommunications industry.

Teraco announces JB7, a 40MW data centre expansion to its Isando Campus, and a new R8 billion syndicated loan

Teraco announces JB7, a 40MW data centre expansion to its Isando Campus, and a new R8 billion syndicated loan

 

 

Teraco, a Digital Realty company and provider of interconnection platforms and vendor-neutral colocation data centres, today announced that construction has commenced on a new hyperscale data centre with 40 megawatts (MW) of critical power load at its Isando Campus in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg. The data centre, funded by a new R8 billion syndicated loan, will further solidify Teraco’s presence as a leading provider of data centre services in Africa.

 

The facility, known as JB7, is currently scheduled for completion in 2026 and will incorporate the latest environmentally sustainable cooling and water management designs. The new data centre supports the growing demand by enterprises and cloud service providers for data centre capacity. JB7 will offer highly resilient and secure colocation facilities in line with Teraco’s long-term vision of enabling digital transformation across Africa. The expansion will increase the Isando Campus’ capacity up to 110MW of critical power load.

 

Jan Hnizdo, CEO at Teraco, says enterprise and hyperscale deployments continue apace due to growing hybrid cloud deployments and the adoption of cloud services in Africa.

 

“South Africa is a springboard for cloud provision into Africa and, as a result, has become the technology and data centre hub for sub-Saharan Africa. Massive global investments into undersea cables, like Equiano and 2Africa, further strengthen this position. This will enable global cloud providers to service not only the South African market but also the rest of the sub-Saharan African region.”

 

“Teraco is focused on growing its capacity footprint across its core hubs. We ensure our clients have the flexibility to scale and take advantage of the digital transformation across sub-Saharan Africa. We continue to invest significantly in the region’s ICT infrastructure and have built Africa’s largest data centre platform. We take pride in enabling open access interconnection and providing world-class data centre infrastructure for all our clients,” he says.

 

The JB7 facility, located in the heart of Ekurhuleni’s Aerotropolis, is Teraco’s ninth data centre development and further expands its Isando Campus. It is here that Teraco’s data centres provide enterprises with direct access to Platform Teraco, a rich ecosystem of over 250 network providers, content delivery networks, global cloud on-ramps, subsea cable systems, access to over 100 managed service providers, and direct peering at regional IXP’s including NAPAfrica, Africa’s largest internet exchange point.

 

Hnizdo says this expansion aims to further support sub-Saharan enterprises by advancing their digital transformation strategies and enabling global cloud providers to expand their footprints, spurring innovation.

 

JB7 has been designed to put sustainability first and minimise its environmental footprint. It will incorporate the latest state-of-the-art cooling designs with a closed-loop chilled water system and direct free-air cooling into the data halls. This design will bring about industry-leading PUEs and WUEs, reducing the energy consumed and limiting water used in the ongoing cooling process to zero. The systems are specifically designed to provide liquid-to-air and liquid-to-liquid cooling to facilitate the deployment of high-density cloud and artificial intelligence deployments.

 

JB7 is the latest expansion for Teraco’s growing data centre platform. It increases critical power load capacity at Teraco facilities to 228MW, which includes the Isando Campus JB1/JB3/JB5/JB7 (110MW), Bredell Campus JB2/JB4 (63MW), Cape Town Campus CT1/CT2 (53MW), and Durban (2MW).

 

New R8 billion syndicated loan

Teraco has secured a new R8 billion syndicated loan through Absa and other financial institutions to finance JB7 and other construction projects as it expands its key interconnection hubs. Part of this loan will augment existing loans used to finance Teraco’s renewable energy generation programme, which is aligned with its long-term Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives. This includes a 120MW utility-scale solar PV generation plant that will feed into the Eskom network and wheel power across multiple municipal grids.

 

“We continue to receive strong support from the lending community. The new syndication was well oversubscribed, which is an expression of confidence by our local institutional financing partners in our data centre platform, growth path and ESG initiatives,” says Samuel Erwin, Chief Financial Officer at Teraco.

 

“Teraco remains dedicated to protecting, connecting, and growing the enterprises and ecosystems shaping Africa’s digital future sustainably and responsibly. Recent developments in generative AI have placed a spotlight on global energy supply constraints and triggered a new wave of investment into electricity generation. We have a unique opportunity in South Africa to integrate renewable energy generation into the provision of data centre infrastructure to serve the needs of our clients and support continued, sustainable digital advancement in our region,” Erwin adds.

 

Organisations working to accelerate their digital transformation use Teraco to scale their IT infrastructure dynamically, adopt hybrid multi-cloud architectures, and interconnect with strategic business partners within the Platform Teraco ecosystem of global and local clients. They are also seeking scalable solutions that align with their sustainability goals. This sustainable approach offers a significant competitive edge in today’s connected world, where secure, reliable and fast interconnection with key business partners is crucial.

 

Key facts JB7

  • JB7 is expected to comprise a 71,000 sqm building structure serviced by 68MVA of utility power supply, which is expected to provide 40MW of critical power.
  • It is strategically located in the Isando Campus alongside JB1, JB3, and JB5.
  • The Isando Campus is Africa’s most highly interconnected data centre location with over 16,500 interconnects.
  • JB7 will be built in a single phase and is expected to include eight 1,500 sqm data halls.
  • JB7 is anticipated to significantly add to South and sub-Saharan Africa’s data centre footprint.
  • The new data centre development is being built in line with global hyperscale requirements.
  • It will augment the existing portfolio of ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, ISO 14001, PCI-DSS and ISAE 3402-certified data centre facilities.
  • JB7 plans to feature environmentally conscious designs and monitoring technology to reduce water use and improve energy efficiency.
  • JB7 plans to provide liquid-to-air and liquid-to-liquid cooling for high-density cloud and AI deployments.

 

Singapore-based TransferTo and Pan-African Ecobank Group Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Financial Access and Cross-Border Payments Across Africa

Singapore-based TransferTo and Pan-African Ecobank Group Forge Strategic Partnership to Expand Financial Access and Cross-Border Payments Across Africa

ransferTo (www.TransferTo.com), a  Singapore-based global technology group, and Ecobank Group (https://Ecobank.com), the leading pan-African financial institution, announce a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), laying the groundwork to transform financial access and cross-border payment solutions across Africa.

 

This strategic partnership brings together TransferTo’s companies —  Thunes (www.Thunes.com), Ezra (https://Ezra.world), DT One (www.DTOne.com) and Tookitaki (www.Tookitaki.com) – with Ecobank (https://Ecobank.com) to expand access to credit, digital products and cross-border payment solutions. The collaboration will create a safe, inclusive financial ecosystem that bridges markets, enabling swift reliable payments across borders and offers financial empowerment tools to millions of Africans and businesses.

By uniting their expertise, TransferTo and Ecobank will drive financial inclusion, empower underserved communities, and establish secure, seamless digital pathways that connect Africa’s economies with the rest of the world.

Peter De Caluwe, CEO, TransferTo: “Our partnership with Ecobank empowers us to unite the strengths of our companies — such as Thunes and DT One — and reshape financial access across Africa. By integrating our expertise with Ecobank’s deep local knowledge, we are crafting secure, straightforward pathways to credit, payments and financial growth for millions of people. This alliance is more than a partnership, it’s a mission to fuel positive change across the continent.”

Together, we are expanding the reach of reliable, secure services to individuals and businesses with the financial tools that they need to thrive

Jeremy Awori, CEO, Ecobank Group: “Joining forces with TransferTo and its companies Thunes and DT One, enables us to bring world-class financial solutions to Africa. Together, we are expanding the reach of reliable, secure services to individuals and businesses with the financial tools that they need to thrive. This partnership marks a significant step towards bridging gaps and unlocking potential across African communities.”

Partnership Details:

  • Thunes (www.Thunes.com) and Ecobank: Facilitating fast, reliable cross-border payments across Africa via Thunes’ Direct Global Network, including QR code payments that connect global financial apps to China’s cashless economy, simplifying cross-border transactions.

 

  • DT One (www.DTOne.com) and Ecobank: Enhancing customer engagement with integrated digital rewards; offering airtime, data bundles, gift cards and vouchers through Ecobank’s Mobile App and Xpress Accounts.

 

  • Ezra (https://Ezra.world) and Ecobank: Expanding access to nano loans and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options; empowering underbanked individuals to build credit histories and progress to larger loan opportunities.

 

  • Tookitaki (www.Tookitaki.com) and Ecobank: Strengthening compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) technology and providing specialised training for Ecobank’s team to enhance financial security.

Embracing the Hard Path: Why Failure is Essential in Business

Embracing the Hard Path: Why Failure is Essential in Business

 

By Roberta Edu, CEO of Moppets Baby Food

In the world of entrepreneurship, the road is rarely smooth, and success is never handed out on a silver platter. One of the recurring questions I face from grant organizations, fellowship programs, and even fellow entrepreneurs is, “What failure have you faced and how did you overcome it?” Initially, I struggled with this. Why must I talk about failure to gain recognition or investment? Can’t brilliance or hard work be enough?

It wasn’t until I immersed myself fully in the business world that I realized why these questions are so important. The truth is, failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. We can’t truly grow or understand our capabilities without first facing adversity. Overcoming failure builds resilience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills—qualities that are indispensable in business.

I vividly recall an interview I had with a women-led grant organization. They asked about a failure I had faced, and I couldn’t just give one answer. I said, “If people in other parts of the world give you one, I’ll give you three: one as a woman, the second as an African, and the third as a business operating in Nigeria.” The moment I shared the depth of these challenges, I saw their perspective shift. They understood the true essence of perseverance. And just like that, a grant was approved.

Entrepreneurship, especially in Nigeria, is a battlefield. Every day presents new challenges—whether it’s managing financial instability, dealing with unpredictable supply chains, or navigating a competitive market. Many people give up in the face of these obstacles. I’ve seen it firsthand: people walk away from businesses, feeling defeated by the very struggles that are meant to shape them. But the truth is, every business challenge is an opportunity in disguise. The key is to embrace those challenges and push forward.

The most successful entrepreneurs are not those who avoid difficulty, but those who learn to navigate through it. When you encounter a problem in your business, it’s easy to throw your hands up and quit. But I’ve learned to face it head-on, strategizing and seeking solutions. It’s during these moments of adversity that we grow, adapt, and evolve into better business leaders.

This mindset has been essential in building Moppets Baby Food. I’ve seen firsthand how embracing the challenges has led to greater achievements and rewards. Perseverance is the foundation of any successful venture. It’s about enduring the tough moments and using them as stepping stones toward something greater.

So, to every entrepreneur out there: stop fearing failure. Instead, embrace it, learn from it, and allow it to propel you forward. Business is not about avoiding the hard things; it’s about facing them with determination and a solution-focused mindset. It’s in these moments that you truly build the resilience that will ultimately define your success.

 

NDPC and NIPOST Join Forces to Boost Data Privacy Skills for Nigerian Postal Workers

NDPC and NIPOST Join Forces to Boost Data Privacy Skills for Nigerian Postal Workers

 

In a move to strengthen data privacy and protection in Nigeria, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), personally led his team to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) headquarters. The visit marked the start of a hands-on training program designed to equip NIPOST staff with the skills and knowledge needed to handle Nigerians’ personal data safely and responsibly.

The Postmaster-General of the Federation and NIPOST CEO, Engineer Tola Odeyemi, welcomed Dr. Olatunji and his team with appreciation. “NIPOST holds access to sensitive personal information about Nigerians, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” she noted. “This training is exactly what we need to ensure that our data practices meet the standards set by the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023.” With optimism, she expressed hope that her staff would leave the program well-prepared to handle and protect data, from collection to processing, in a compliant and ethical way.

Dr. Olatunji praised NIPOST’s commitment to data privacy, emphasizing its role as a significant data controller in Nigeria. “We’ve seen NIPOST take meaningful steps toward data compliance, actively implementing our recommendations from past meetings,” he said, reinforcing the NDPC’s dedication to partnering with organizations like NIPOST to protect Nigerians’ privacy. He also highlighted the Commission’s newly piloted certification program for Data Protection Officers, encouraging NIPOST staff to consider this certification, which could open doors to new opportunities in the growing field of data privacy.

For both organizations, this collaboration represents a shared commitment to safeguarding the personal information of Nigerians, making this training program a key milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward stronger data protection standards.