By Azuka Onwuka

I heard some people make snide remarks and unnecessary comparisons about the marriage of the son of the founder of Ekulo Group and the daughter of the founder of Nestoil, and I laughed in Nsibidi dialect.

Our people say in pidgin: Person wey no know person dey call am “this person”.

Chief Emma “Bishop” Okonkwo (OFR), Chairman/CEO of Ekulo Group of Companies, a son of Ichi town in Anambra State, is so ingrained in the Nigerian system that most people use his products every day without even knowing that. Most of them have never even heard of him or his company.

Any time you use anointing oil (Goya olive oil), you are most likely using his product. Any time you take Holy Communion, you are most likely taking his product.

If you don’t like alcoholic beverages but like to take drinks in bottles that look like wine brands, you are most likely patronizing him (Eva, Chamdor, Toma, J&W).

If you prefer the milky, sweet-tasting liquers like Amarula, Wild Africa, etc, you are his customer.

But if you prefer brandy (St. Remy, 501, etc), he is quietly waiting for you. And if you prefer whisky, cognac, gin, rum, tequila, champagne, white wine, rosé, or bitters, he is there wherever you turn.

Even if you avoid all forms of drinks, he is waiting for you in the bathroom with different soap brands like Eva, Clear Essence, Gino, Hawaii. If you say no to those, he is waiting for your through his body spray brands.

If that fails, he waits for you to need blood tonic and multivitamins. If you scale that, he is waiting for you when you need to eat biscuits, Danish cookies, lollipop, Titus sardines, corned beef, chocolate, wafers, crackers, etc,

The man is the real definition of “Everywhere you go”.

I don’t know how one man is able to have such amazing number and variety of brands that people patronize heavily with little or no advertising. Those who patronize him don’t even know the owner or distributor of the brand they patronize. It is only in some parts of Anambra State that those with their ears to the ground know him very well.

For Dr Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi, Chairman/CEO of Nestoil, one does not need to talk much about him. His impressive head office keeps his business in people’s view, even if they don’t know much about the man.

But the man, popularly known as Obijackson, is a man who has sworn to turn his Okija hometown into a town that nobody can take for granted.

He has funded various initiatives, including the development of infrastructure, creation of employment, and community support programs. He midwifed the establishment of the first commercial bank in Okija, built the Acropolis Golf and Resort, and supports initiatives like the “Keep Okija Clean Initiative”. He also established the Obijackson Foundation, which focuses on community development, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.

Some people know how to sink their roots into the ground without any fanfare.

In 2005, a bold move by Google to purchase a struggling startup for $50 million was dismissed by critics as “the dumbest acquisition ever.” The startup? Android Inc. The vision? A free, open-source mobile operating system that no one was asking for—yet.

Today, that so-called “dumb decision” is worth over $500 billion and underpins the world’s most widely used mobile operating system: Android. It’s the reason why billions of people worldwide own affordable, high-quality smartphones that aren’t iPhones.Android logo free 3D model | CGTrader

The Beginning of a Tech Revolution

Android Inc., founded by Andy Rubin and three other tech entrepreneurs, had no revenue, no products, and barely any runway. But they had a dream—to build smart mobile devices that understood user preferences and locations, powered by a free, flexible OS.

At the time, the mobile space was tightly guarded. Nokia had its own software. Microsoft sold Windows Mobile. BlackBerry ran everything in-house. The idea of giving away a mobile OS seemed absurd.

But Google saw the future before the rest of the world caught on. Just like their strategic move to acquire YouTube, Google recognized that mobile phones would soon become the primary access point to the internet. And if that future was dominated by Microsoft or Nokia, Google Search—and digital advertising—could be blocked or sidelined.

Google wasn’t just buying software; they were securing the future of their business.

Android’s Open-Source Strategy: The Masterstroke

Unlike its rivals, Google didn’t keep Android proprietary. It went fully open-source, allowing any manufacturer to use and modify the software for free.

That single move changed the game. Manufacturers like Samsung, HTC, LG, and Huawei could now enter the smartphone race without building an OS from scratch. It sparked an explosion of innovation and gave users across the globe more choices than ever before.

The first Android phone, the HTC Dream (T-Mobile G1), launched in 2008. It wasn’t perfect—but it marked the dawn of a new era.

Within a decade, former industry titans like BlackBerry, Nokia, and even Microsoft’s mobile division faded into obscurity, victims of the Android wave.

The True Genius: A Free Platform, A Priceless Ecosystem

Google never intended to make money directly from Android. Instead, Android became the backbone of a powerful ecosystem that generates billions through:

  • Google Play Store fees

  • Digital advertising

  • Google Search integration

  • User data-driven services

Today, Android powers over 71% of smartphones globally, representing billions of users in Google’s digital orbit.

The Bigger Lesson

Google’s investment in Android wasn’t just about mobile—it was about long-term vision. It was about betting on the future of connectivity, digital lifestyle, and data-driven economies.

And in doing so, they taught the world one powerful business lesson:

“The best investments aren’t about what something is today, but what it could become tomorrow. Sometimes, giving away value is the best way to capture it.”

That $50 million “blunder” became the masterstroke that reshaped the global tech landscape—and put Android in the hands of billions.


#TechStories #Android #GooglePlay #Innovation #StartupLessons
Written by Ifeanyi Christopher


Nigerians have shown a marginal increase in trust levels overall but continue to distrust their political leaders, according to findings from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer: Nigeria Report. The report, unveiled on the evening of April 16 at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, reveals that trust in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), businesses, and media remains higher than in government institutions. Surprisingly, Nigerians trust artificial intelligence (AI) more than other Africans, despite expressing deep skepticism towards CEOs.

The event was organised by THOP – The Holding Opinion and Public, led by Kwame Senou, and featured a keynote address by Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, fnipr, fapra, MACCE, MIIC, Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Dr. Ibietan stood in for Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), and shared insights on the nation’s evolving trust dynamics.

“In 2024, trust stood at 61 percent; in 2025, it has increased marginally,” Dr. Ibietan noted. “However, seven in ten Nigerians still believe their leaders lie, and the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, fueling a sense of injustice.”No alternative text description for this image

The report highlights a growing income-based trust gap, with a majority of Nigerians believing that the wealthy disproportionately benefit from national resources. Notably, one in two respondents believe that hostile activism, including social media campaigns, can drive meaningful change.

One of the most striking findings came from Wandile Cindi, Edelman’s senior strategist from South Africa, who presented the 2025 report titled: “TRUST, AND THE CRISIS OF GRIEVANCE.” He observed that Nigerians show greater trust in AI than their African counterparts. Cindi speculated that this trust might be linked to Nigeria’s impressive roster of unicorn startups such as Interswitch, OPay, Moniepoint, Flutterwave, and Andela, all of which are valued at over $1 billion.

The report, now in its eighth year of Nigerian coverage, is part of a global study spanning 28 countries, with Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa representing Africa. It focuses on trust across four institutions: government, business, media, and NGOs. Among these, NGOs and media rank highest in public trust, while the government ranks lowest.

Interestingly, Nigerians and Kenyans remain more optimistic about the future compared to South Africans, despite the challenges highlighted in the report.

The Edelman Trust Barometer continues to serve as a critical barometer of public sentiment and institutional trust worldwide, shining a light on the shifting perceptions that define civic and corporate life.

In a heartfelt meeting held at the headquarters of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), two of Nigeria’s key institutions came together with one shared goal: to save lives through better communication.

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, warmly received Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as both leaders led conversations about a stronger, more connected Nigeria—especially in times of crisis.

For a country as large and complex as Nigeria, emergency situations—floods, accidents, natural disasters—can strike without warning. When they do, timely and accurate information can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why this meeting wasn’t just routine protocol; it was a pivotal step toward giving Nigerians a safer future.

At the heart of their conversation was the plan to develop a National Emergency Telecommunications Response Plan (NETRP)—a nationwide system designed to speed up emergency alerts, help responders coordinate more efficiently, and reach communities that are often left behind.May be an image of 2 people, dais and text

“Emergencies don’t give notice. We must be ready, and that means ensuring our communication systems are not just efficient, but life-saving,” said Dr. Maida, as he emphasized NCC’s role in providing the backbone for real-time, resilient communication during critical moments.

Mrs. Umar echoed the urgency. For her, this initiative isn’t about bureaucracy—it’s about people.

“When disaster strikes, the only thing more important than first responders is the information that guides them. This partnership is about making sure that no call for help goes unheard,” she said.

The meeting wasn’t just about policy; it was about people. About the families who’ve waited too long for help to arrive. About the rural communities who never hear the warnings. And about the need to build a system where, no matter where you live or what network you’re on, you can get the help you need.May be an image of 1 person and dais

To ensure follow-through, both agencies agreed to set up a joint technical committee to bring the plan to life. Field simulations, stakeholder training, and stronger communication networks will form the foundation of what they hope will be a transformative shift in how Nigeria responds to emergencies.

In a world where the unexpected is becoming the new normal, the NCC and NEMA are stepping up—not just with technology, but with empathy, vision, and a renewed commitment to protect every Nigerian life.

 In a move poised to enhance Nigeria’s small business ecosystem, Airtel Nigeria has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), marking the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at empowering SMEs across the country.

The landmark agreement was signed over the weekend at Airtel Nigeria’s headquarters in Banana Island, Lagos, by Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, and the Director General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii.

Effective from April 17, 2025, the MoU paves the way for Airtel to deepen its engagement with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by gaining access to SME clusters nationwide. This collaboration is expected to drive growth for Airtel Business through enhanced reach and tailored services designed for Nigeria’s vibrant SME sector.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Nigeria expressed delight in hosting the SMEDAN delegation and described the partnership as a strategic step toward strengthening digital infrastructure and support systems for small businesses in Nigeria.

With this initiative, both organizations aim to create scalable solutions that will boost productivity, improve digital inclusion, and ultimately contribute to national economic development.

 

… We guarantee your business, hurry and invest, Mbah urges diasporans

The Enugu State Government and the Lion Business Park Limited have sealed an investment deal with the signing of Novation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a world-class industrial and commercial hub within the Enugu Industrial Park Free Trade Zone.

This was even as the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing businesses through the provisions of infrastructure and enabling environment for ease of doing business, urging diaspora investors to turn their capital into Enugu State for a high return on investment, RoI.

Signing the MOU alongside top management of Lion Business Park Ltd in Enugu on Tuesday, the firm’s chairman, Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, commended the governor for his visionary leadership, developmental strides and achievements the administration had recorded within a short period in office.

Highlighting the objective of the deal, Mbonu stressed that the company was poised to develop industrial and commercial hub that would catalyze trade, industry, economic growth and create jobs for the youth population.

“This strategic collaboration aligns with Your Excellency’s visionary economic agenda to grow the GDP of Enugu State from $4.4 billion to $30 billion (US Dollars) for the overall benefit of the people of Enugu State and Nigeria as a whole.

“It is therefore, a watershed moment with this renewed partnership between Lion Business Park and Enugu State Government. It is indeed a case of a promise made and fulfilled and I have no doubt that you will continue to fulfill your promises to the people of Enugu State,” the chairman added.

Mbonu, who expressed optimism about the investment, said the project would leverage on the incentives associated with businesses in a Free Trade Zone to attract foreign direct investments, promote human capital, innovation and technology development to create jobs.

Calling on the business community, private sector leaders and global investors to maximize the perfect opportunities the park presented to them to be part of the economic revolution, Mbonu added that the project had immense benefits that spurred beyond the state, the South East zone to Nigeria at large.

Speaking, Governor Mbah reiterated the administration’s economic blueprint, which is to grow the economy and make the state the number one destination for investors in the country, saying the promise to inspire exponential growth could only be possible with investment deals such as the one executed with the Lion Business Park.

“The Enugu State Government has committed to increase their stake in this going concern by providing all the necessary infrastructure that is required in order for this business park to be fully functional. We see the business park as food that is ready. Because if we are to start the process of building a business park, we know what it will take. Procuring your licenses; getting the free trade license, getting the dry port license because we have an inland port also at the Lion Business Park,” he noted.

While harping that the location of the park was a product of strategy, innovation and due diligence conducted by a team of economic experts in the administration, the governor said, “The business park is strategically located. It is three hours from Onne Sea Port in Rivers State, less than two hours to Asaba in Delta State, and less than 25 minutes to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. We couldn’t ask for a business park at a better location”.

He assured that the administration would continue to make the state attractive to investors to set up their industries by providing the right incentives such as electricity, paved roads, and other infrastructure.

While appreciating host communities in the state for their support, the governor enjoined them to continue to cooperate with investors.

#nemakmedia

 In a strategic move to position Nigeria as a global innovation hub and achieve a trillion-dollar economy within the next decade, Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Interministerial Committee on Research and Innovation. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Speaking during the event, Vice President Shettima emphasized the committee’s mandate to champion food security, energy sufficiency, and a reduction in the country’s dependence on imports. He noted that the initiative is a critical component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader vision to harness both intellectual and financial capital to propel Nigeria’s economic transformation.

“This is not merely the inauguration of a committee,” the Vice President said, “but the activation of a bold mission: to build Nigeria into an innovation-driven, trillion-dollar economy within a decade. The future we desire is not something we inherit; it is something we build.”

The committee, composed of key stakeholders across various ministries and sectors, is expected to drive policy formulation and implementation in research, technology, and innovation.

Adding to the conversation, Maule Usman, a policy advocate, applauded the initiative, describing it as a necessary shift toward economic diversification.

“Mashaa Allah, dynamism and innovation are key features of technological development for economic advancement and growth,” Usman stated. “A paradigm shift in this direction will diversify the revenue sources of the government and reduce overreliance on oil income sources.”

The Interministerial Committee is expected to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s innovation landscape, promoting homegrown solutions, and unlocking opportunities for sustainable development.

 

Improved efforts at collaboration among financial service providers, telecommunication operators, and tech Startups, with conscious effort geared at consumer awareness, have been proffered as key remedies to the challenge of financial inclusion in the country.

This is the viewpoint of stakeholders that gathered for the second edition of Payment Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) held recently in Lagos.

Delivering a keynote address on the theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, Ebehijie Momoh (Mrs.), the managing director and chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, said that with 64% of Nigerian adults being financial included the country has made immense progress in that regards.

She said that between 2012 till date, the country has recorded robust regulatory reforms, especially the launch of the Bank Verification Number (BVN) in 2014 making it easier to identify and track customers across different banks.

“This initiative enhanced the credibility of the financial sector and increased confidence in formal banking systems.

The growth in adoption of smartphones has also helped the financial sector to leapfrog financial inclusion. Nigeria has 142.16 mobile internet subscriptions with an average consumption of ~7.04GB / month as of January 2025. If you juxtapose it to the 15.9% decline in shipments of feature phones to 18.8 million units in Africa as at Q1 2024, you will understand that the uptake in smartphones has helped us a great deal.

Mrs. Momoh who spoke through Mr. Munachi Duru, the head of Innovation and Strategic Partnership at AfriGoPay, said the adoption of artificial intelligence banking gave birth to solutions like smile identity, a leading KYC verification provider launches facial recognition capabilities in Nigeria as neobanks and commercial banks are deploying AI-based KYC verification tools, enabling cheaper and efficient customer acquisition and servicing.

In her goodwill message, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) Limited said that with progress made in accelerating financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked communities in Nigeria, SANEF has leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next step to advancement in financial services in the country.

She noted that as technology evolves rapidly within the financial ecosystem, Financial Inclusion must continue to be at the center of the nation’s progress.

According to her, agent banking has been a game-changer in expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By deploying agents in underserved areas, we have brought financial services and banking products such as account opening, cash in, cash out, bill payment, transfers and other services closer to the unbanked and underserved.”

Speaking during a panel session, Mr. Ibirogba Oluwagunwa, chairman, Lagos State Chapter of the Association of Mobile Money & Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), spoke of lack of collaboration and slow institutional drive towards AI as key barriers hindering digital inclusion.

He harped on the need for information sharing among fintech operators, and improved free flow of information to consumers. “The human barrier angle needs to be addressed. Fintechs need to be pushed to move forward, AI cannot operate itself.”

In his contribution, Mr. Chika Nwosu, managing director of PalmPay, reiterated the need to reach the consumers with simple format communication and education style.

He said operators should create awareness and design consumer-centric approach in developing any products. This will not only draw the consumers towards the product, but also generate trust and ease the use of such products.

Focusing on the use of AI to ensure reach, inclusion and security, Azure Application and AI Specialist at Microsoft UK, Olusoji Solomon Adeyemo, spoke on the need for AI and Blockchain in the bid to extend services to rural communities and the unbanked.

According to him, “AI, Blockchain and CBDs are shaping the future of payment, and there is a serious need for education. We need to align with global trends in new tech adoption.”

While noting that AI can ensure reach, Adeyomo said blockchain will also create digital identity that is exclusive and will promote digital financial inclusion.

In her position, Oluwabunmi Ogunyemi, the customer support lead at Moniepoint MFB, proffered physical and digital meet with customers, even in rural areas, as a viable means of inclusivity.

Also speaking, Olusegun Afolabi, the co-founder of Face Technologies UK Ltd., called for improved collaborations among stakeholders in the financial sector.

According to him, the fintech companies must also embrace effective identification solutions, focusing on biometrics and card technologies to ensure topnotch security for users.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Peter Oluka, co-Convener of the Forum, noted that the financial inclusion journey in the country has come to a crucial juncture where over 30 million adults are still financially excluded, many of whom reside in rural areas or belong to vulnerable demographics.

He noted that despite 12% growth in access to formal financial services between 2020 and 2023, as recorded by the EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey 2023, challenges still exist that hinders the unlocking of the potentials of digital payments to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.

He further posited: “As digital infrastructure grows and fintech innovation accelerates, we must channel these advancements toward building a more inclusive, secure, and trusted financial ecosystem. This is not just about transactions — it’s about empowerment, opportunity, and economic participation for all.

Nodding in agreement, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-Convener, PAFON, reiterated the need for all stakeholders in the financial payment industry, including regulators, to participate in forums as PAFON, to map out, growth strategies with consumers and other strata of the ecosystem.

He promised to invite security stakeholders, such as the EFCC and others in subsequent editions of the event. This will help give insight into security concerns in deployment of products and services in rural and unbanked communities.

Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform dedicated to shaping the future of digital payments and financial services in our country.

 

 

 

….despite 12% growth in access to formal financial services between 2020 and 2023, as recorded by the EFInA Access to Financial Services Survey 2023, challenges still exist that hinders the unlocking of the potentials of digital payments to drive inclusive growth in Nigeria.

  • The world is in mourning following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who died at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death was formally announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at Casa Santa Marta.

“With deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Cardinal Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.”

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, reflecting the Pope’s profound influence on both spiritual and political spheres.

In the United States, Vice President J.D. Vance shared an emotional message on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the beautiful homily he gave in the early days of COVID. May God rest his soul.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, expressing his grief and admiration. “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world,” Modi stated. He also highlighted the Pope’s dedication to the poor and his inspiring commitment to inclusive development.

The White House released a solemn tribute accompanied by photos of the Pope meeting both President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance. The message read simply: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, made history as the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. Throughout his papacy, he championed the causes of the marginalized, challenged global leaders to act justly, and sought to make the Church more open and inclusive.

In recent years, Pope Francis was one of the few Western leaders to speak with unwavering moral clarity on humanitarian issues, including the ongoing crisis in the Levant. As global conflicts deepened, his voice became a rare beacon, denouncing violence and advocating for peace across religious and cultural lines.

As the Catholic world begins its mourning rituals, millions reflect on the legacy of a spiritual leader whose compassion and courage resonated far beyond the Vatican walls.

May his soul find eternal peace.

One of Africa’s most iconic music labels, Premier Records Limited, is proudly celebrating its 62nd anniversary, marking over six decades of shaping Nigeria’s soundscape and preserving its rich musical heritage.

Founded in 1963, Premier Records has remained a trailblazer in the African music industry, championing artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural preservation. According to Michael Odiong, a senior executive at the label, “62 and still counting!” — a testament to the brand’s enduring influence and unwavering commitment to music.

As the third-oldest record label in Africa, Premier Records boasts a legacy that spans generations, having supported and promoted a diverse range of genres from highlife and afrobeat to gospel, hip hop, and contemporary sounds.

The label’s deep catalog of timeless recordings, alongside a forward-looking vision, continues to inspire both budding and established artists. Through strategic investments in talent development and genre diversity, Premier Records has ensured that every voice finds a platform and every rhythm resonates with its audience.

Now, at 62, Premier Records remains not just a symbol of the past, but a dynamic force for the future—nurturing creativity, expanding musical boundaries, and celebrating the unifying power of sound across the continent and beyond.