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Fuji icon Wasiu Ayinde aka KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate has made a revelation about his mother.
The singer revealed that his late mother, Halima Anifowoshe wanted to be a musician, but ended up playing a significant role in his musical career.
According to him, his mother taught him the rudiments of music and served as his composer during her lifetime.
Speaking during the podcast show for his latest project, Ganusi The Album Fuji Classical, K1 De Ultimate explained that his mother’s contributions to his career success made him dedicate the song “Mama” from the album to her.
He stated that his mother wanted to be a musician as a young maiden but was prevented because of her royal background and for being a woman.
He said, “The song ‘Mama’ is to the memory of my mother who also taught me about the rudiments of music and singing. My mother as a young maiden lady was a singer, a princess by birth that was denied the opportunity of showing dexterity in music because of what she was; a princess of a sitting king and so also a woman whom they want her to settle in marriage.
“But everything [my mother’s talent] was transported on me by God. She transferred it to me and oftentimes she served as my composer, very many times during her lifetime. She made her own contribution into my musical development. So, I think it’s honourable for me to remember her and have a blessed track for her.”
K1 De Ultimate lost his mother, Princess Halima Anifowoshe, in January 2025.
Lagos-based clergyman, Paul Adefarasin has celebrated 30th wedding anniversary with his wife, Ifeanyi.
Recall that the couple are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary today, June 3.
The couple got married in 1995 and have three children. In a post shared on social media today, Pastor Paul celebrated Ifeanyi for being his ‘’companion in marriage, the wife of my youth and my partner at life''.
He went on to thank her for being his ‘’helpmeet through the turns and the transitions''
He wrote
‘’Dear Ifeanyi,
To the world, success is often measured by prominence, ease, and tangible outcomes—the visible fruits of ambition, relentless effort, and societal recognition.
Yet in the counsel of God, success takes on an altogether different form. It is the quiet becoming of all He designed you to be, the faithful execution of a divine mandate stewarded with integrity, humility, and a heart yielded to His will. It is not so much about what is outwardly accomplished, but who one is inwardly is becoming in alignment with His eternal purpose.
Within that sacred context, success as God defines it is a rare and priceless gift to walk life’s journey intimately with a few true hearts who are deeply committed to you, who stand with you and lend strength to the God-ordained causes entrusted to your care. They are real disciples of Christ. These are the ones who labour with you in your service to the God you honour, the people you shepherd, and the generational destiny divinely assigned to you and your house.
‘*..Through many dangers, toils and snares, we have already come. Twas grace that brought us safe thus far…”* And so, to the faithful warriors who have shared the trenches with us, who have stood shoulder to shoulder through the battles of life and the crucible of calling, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
Of notable mention is my fellow soldier and long standing co-parent, companion in marriage, the wife of my youth and my partner at life; dear Ifeanyi, thank you for being helpmeet through the turns and the transitions. Thank you for walking this long road with steadiness and faith, for standing through the 30 years and for remaining present through each unfolding season.
Happy 30th anniversary to you Still Waters.
With love,
‘Deolu"
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) on Tuesday suspended its strike, which started on Monday.
JUSUN announced the suspension in a communiqué issued after it met with the representatives of the Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The communique signed by all shareholders present, said this was after long deliberations on issues that led to the declaration of the industrial action by the union.
According to the communique, the following agreement was reached; that the JUSUN oblige the intervention of CJN, Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, NLC and other Stakeholders one month for negotiations.
”Engage the Federal Government to release funds to the Judiciary within one month, and that upon the release of the funds, the demands by the JUSUN be implemented immediately.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JUSUN’s demands include the implementation of the N70, 000 new minimum wage and its arrears, 25’35 per cent salary increase and five months wage award and their arrears.
The communique added that consequently upon the commitment of the CJN, JUSUN and organs after due consideration agreed to suspend the ongoing industrial strike action.
The union therefore, directed its members to resume work on Wednesday.
Popular Nigerian musician Raoul John Njeng-Njeng, widely known as Skales, has opened up about why most artists miss their blessings.
He made this statement via his X handle on Monday, stating that determination is key.
He claimed that many artists lack patience and often quit just before their blessings arrive.
He encouraged artists to remain persistent.
“Your music will take you places all over the globe. You just need to be consistent enough to see it happen.
“Most artists quit before the blessings show up. Keep going,” he wrote.
DAILY POST recalls that the artist stated his life has been restarted after his hit song Shake Body trended again, 10 years after its release, following Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal’s viral dance.
[DailyPost]
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the immediate past President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and other key figures will gather in Abuja on June 4 to examine issues around leadership in the nation’s civil service.
The event, to be chaired by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Oba Olu Falae, will also feature the unveiling of a book on the subject.
In a statement, a former Federal Permanent Secretary, Japh Nwosu said the book, titled: “Leadership in the Nigerian Civil Service,” is authored by Dr. Goke Adegoroye, a retired Permanent Secretary and pioneer Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
Nwosu said the book, to be launched on June 4 at the Rotunda Hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “chronicles Dr. Adegoroye’s experiential knowledge, encounters, challenges, and triumphs in the public service, offering valuable insights and reflections on leadership in Nigeria’s civil service over the past five decades.
“As a renowned expert in public administration and governance, Dr. Adegoroye has authored several authoritative books on good governance and leadership in Nigeria’s public service.
“The book launch promises to be a significant forum for public administration practitioners, public servants, and scholars to engage with the complexities of leadership in Nigeria’s civil service.
“Its release has been strategically timed for the mid-term of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration with a view to offering useful tips on how to strengthen governance effectiveness.
“The event will also feature keynote addresses by H.E. Kasshim Shettima, and Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, who is the special guest of Honour, while the book reviewer is Professor Victor Ayeni, a renowned international Public Administration expert.
“Public presentation of the book will be done by distinguished guests, among other related activities at the event,” he said.
Nwosu, who is the Chairman, Public Presentation Planning Committee, added that the book, covering the past five decades, is a timely and thought-provoking publication that draws on Dr. Adegoroye’s vast experience and expertise in public service.
“The book offers practical insights and recommendations for improving leadership capacity in Nigeria’s civil service, ultimately contributing to the country’s growth and prosperity.
“Dr. Goke Adegoroye is a retired Permanent Secretary and pioneer Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms.
“He is an academic and scientist turned civil servant, a governance and institutional reforms expert and advocate of excellence and integrity in public service.
“He has a long history of authoring authoritative books on good governance and leadership in Nigeria’s public service.”
[The nation]
The Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr Abayomi Akinruntan, and the Majority Leader, Mr Ogunmolasuyi, have resigned from their respective positions.
Akinruntan represents Ilaje Constituency 1, while Ogunmolasuyi represents Owo Constituency 1; both are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The pair announced their resignations on the floor of the House during Tuesday’s plenary session, which was presided over by the Speaker, Mr Olamide Oladiji.
Akinruntan cited political power-sharing arrangements within the state as the reason for his resignation.
In the wake of these developments, Mr Ololade Gbegudu, representing Okitipupa Constituency 2, has been selected as the new Deputy Speaker, while Mr Olatunji Oshati, from Ose State Constituency, has assumed the role of Majority Leader.
Details later…
[Punch]
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has relocated to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, over the incessant killings of innocent villagers by herders and militia groups.
The killing, which is becoming almost a daily occurrence, has left many dead, several others injured and maimed, and several houses burnt, leaving many homeless.
Vanguard gathered that Lt Gen Oluyede departed Abuja, Tuesday morning, accompanied by his Principal Stafftaff Officers (PSOs) and other top officers at the Army Headquarters, to the state to have an on-the-spot assessment of the situation on the ground.
Sources further said the army chief has ordered the deployment of more troops to the state to give the militia and other armed groups terrorising the people of the state the battle of their lives.
In Benue State, the source said, the COAS will hold strategic meetings with all operational and unit commanders to brainstorm on the way forward as well as review the ongoing operations with a view to end the killings.
The COAS will also visit troops’ locations and operational bases in the state to interact with troops and boost their morale and fighting spirit.
The COAS is also expected to visit villages that have been attacked and reassure residents of their safety and the resolve of the Nigerian army to protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
The COAS is said to be unhappy with reports of daily killings in Benue that have ravaged the state in the past few weeks and may order some strategic changes, including the redeployment of some commanders to head some of the operational units on ground.
General Oluyede, while in the state, will personally lead troops in the operation on the battlefront. He is expected to spend some days in the state before relocating back to Abuja.
Recall that the attacks in Benue have been described as ethnic cleansing by many, as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have embarked on a killing spree, attacking villagers in their villages using sophisticated guns and machetes.
Last weekend gunmen killed 43 persons in renewed attacks carried out on several communities of Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
The attacks occurred barely one week after herdsmen militia shot a priest, Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, along the Makurdi-Naka road and attacked four communities in Gwer West LGA, including the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, killing 42 persons, including a mobile police officer.
[Vanguard]
Nigerian songstress Simi has expressed disapproval over fans and members of the public calling her daughter, Adejare, ‘Duduke’.
Simi, while pregnant in 2020, released the hit single ‘Duduke’ in anticipation of the birth of her child with fellow artist Adekunle Gold.
As a result of the above, fans started calling their daughter ‘Duduke’ after the song when the celebrity couple welcomed her in June 2020.’
In a recent chat with VJ Adams, Simi was unequivocal about her dislike of the name her daughter was being called, saying it has no meaning.
She disclosed that ‘Duduke’ was just an onomatopoeia she used in the song to express how her baby makes her heart beat.
“People call my daughter Duduke, which I don’t like. That’s not her name. It doesn’t even mean anything.
“Had it meant something good, I would have allowed it. But it’s just a beat, duduke, duduke. That was what I meant. My heart beats like a drum.
“Stop calling my child Duduke [laughs]. But you know what? I get it, it’s coming from a good place, so I try not to react,” Simi said.
[The Sun]
Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education, says no student, whether in the urban or rural communities, will be left behind in Nigeria’s computer-based test transition.
The federal government plans to fully transition to CBT exams for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other exam bodies by 2026.
Ahmad spoke during the monitoring of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in some selected schools in Abuja on Tuesday.
Highlighting the significant improvements the CBT transition promises, the minister acknowledged the technical and infrastructural challenges that must be addressed before full implementation.
“We will not roll out CBT in a way that excludes any student. Every child will have the opportunity to write their examination, regardless of location or infrastructure,” she said.
“Nigerians should bear with us. We are taking all concerns seriously, and by the time CBT is fully rolled out, no child will be put at a disadvantage.”
Comparing the outcomes from traditional paper-based exams with the CBT, she said the visit showed a clear student preference for CBT.
“At a CBT centre, everything was orderly and timely, but at a paper-based exam centre, not only was the exam delayed due to rain, but the script was not even on the ground,” the minister said.
“These are the kinds of issues CBT is designed to eliminate. CBT will ensure students are given their full allotted exam time since the system begins counting only when the student accesses the questions.
“This helps to address problems like delays caused by weather, transportation issues, and administrative lapses.”
Beyond timing, Ahmad said that CBT was also seen as a solution to eliminating rampant examination malpractices.
She said that with the individualised sets of questions for each candidate, impersonation, question leaks, and systemic answer sharing would be drastically reduced.
“We know how students and schools manipulate the system, but CBT will shut those doors,” Ahmad said.
She, however, acknowledged that the transition may face major logistical hurdles, especially in rural areas where electricity and internet infrastructure remain weak.
The minister said WAEC and NECO were working closely with JAMB and other education stakeholders to address these gaps.
She added that the plan was to leverage JAMB’s well-equipped CBT centres for future exams, while also engaging with state governments to map out rural and urban challenges to design workable solutions.
“When we roll out the CBT examination, we are going to make use of existing JAMB centres. We are not going to make use of school centres, since, as you rightly mentioned, there are schools in the rural locations that don’t have light,” she said.
“This school we are currently inspecting has no power in the exam hall. If CBT were being conducted here today, that would pose a serious challenge.
“So all these are being considered and we are carefully planning to ensure that really when we embark on this CBT, no student is at a disadvantage.”
[TheCable]
For an economy serving over 200 million people and valued at N78.37 trillion, government policies, laws, and regulations play a powerful role in shaping outcomes.
Yet, Nigeria is proof that some of the most dynamic shifts in its economy are happening outside formal policy direction.
In recent years, the private sector has powered more than half of Nigeria’s growth, even as the state struggles to keep pace with industries being rapidly transformed by technology, youth-driven innovation, and informal enterprise.
The country’s economy has moved beyond oil. Agriculture still employs the most people and contributes about 25% to GDP.
Services, particularly telecoms, finance, and trade, now account for over 55%, while industry, including oil and gas, makes up just 20%.
Nigeria’s 3.4% GDP growth in 2024 was largely driven by these non-oil sectors, and that momentum is expected to continue in 2025.
But behind the official stats lies an untold story. A new generation of industry creators, digital entrepreneurs, crypto traders, and wellness startups is booming, yet remains undercounted and underserved. Most operate informally, without government incentives or tailored policies, yet they are creating jobs, building wealth, and reshaping the economy.
This list highlights 10 of those sectors: fast-growing industries that are thriving in spite of, not because of, government support. Together, they reveal the hidden drivers and missed opportunities of Nigeria’s economic future.
10. Online Content Creators (Influencers)
Nigeria’s online content creation industry has grown into a multi-million-dollar ecosystem powered by youth, smartphones, and the internet with little to no government intervention.
From skit makers and YouTubers to Instagram influencers and TikTok stars, creators are shaping pop culture, marketing trends, and brand engagement across Africa and the diaspora.
- This boom took off in the late 2010s as mobile internet became more accessible and social media usage exploded. Creators like Taaooma, Mr Macaroni, and Kiekie built massive followings with relatable comedy, commentary, and lifestyle content.
- Today, Nigerian digital creators earn from brand deals, YouTube monetization, affiliate marketing, and direct fan contributions through platforms like TikTok and Patreon.
- Already, Africa’s digital creator economy is valued at approximately $3.08 billion in 2023, it is projected to grow to $17.84 billion by 2030, with a projected annual growth rate of 28.5%.
This self-made industry is not only generating employment but also shaping the country’s global image. With rising demand for African stories and personalities online, Nigeria’s content creators continue to thrive, proving that innovation, creativity, and audience connection can fuel sustainable success without formal government involvement.
Nollywood’s modern journey began in 1992 with Living in Bondage, a low-budget thriller by Kenneth Nnebue that became a massive hit and proved local films could be commercially successful. Its success sparked a wave of direct-to-video films, sold on VHS and later DVDs, outside formal cinema channels. Creators like Amaka Igwe shaped the industry’s early identity, blending storytelling with Nigerian music, language, and culture.
By the 2000s, the industry exploded in volume, becoming the world’s second-largest film producer after only Bollywood. However, it operated informally for years, battling piracy and lacking infrastructure.
Between 2010 to 2019, there was a turning point. With better tech and digital platforms like iROKOtv and Netflix, Nollywood entered a new era of quality, reach, and professionalism. Blockbusters like The Wedding Party, Sugar Rush and King of Boys demonstrated demand for the industry’s creative storytelling.
Today, Nollywood produces over 2,500 films annually and contributes approximately 1.4% to Nigeria’s GDP. PwC’s 2024 Media Outlook estimates the industry generates $9.1 billion annually, supporting over a million jobs.
Its growing influence is also boosting Nigeria’s cinema sector, with revenue expected to rise from $8 million in 2023 to $10 million by 2028, driven by a 4.8% annual growth rate, cinema chain expansions, and rising local interest in theatrical releases.
Despite streaming competition, Nollywood’s cultural and economic footprint keeps expanding across Africa on platforms like YouTube and the global diaspora.
With its foundation rooted in local stories, Nollywood is scaling globally without heavy government backing.
Afrobeats, a modern evolution of the Afrobeat genre pioneered by Fela Kuti, has grown into one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural exports. Fela used Afrobeat in the 1970s and 80s as a tool for political resistance, boldly criticizing corruption, dictatorship, and social injustice through his music. His legacy of using rhythm for resistance laid the groundwork for what would become a global musical force.
The 2000s saw artists like D’banj, 2Baba, and Banky W blending traditional rhythms with hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B to birth the Afrobeats wave. Powered by social media, YouTube, and music streaming platforms, Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tems have gone on to win globally recognized awards, headline international festivals, and collaborate with global superstars.
By 2023, streaming platforms responded to rising global demand, paying Nigerian musicians N25 billion. In 2024, Spotify alone paid over N58 billion in royalties to Nigerian artists, up from N11 billion in 2022. Today, Afrobeats contributes over $2 billion to the global music industry.
The genre, once rooted in rebellion, now moves global pop culture while spotlighting Africa’s creative economy. Its rise has occurred with minimal government intervention, driven by grassroots talent, diaspora demand, and digital innovation.
Nigeria’s startup ecosystem has emerged as one of Africa’s most vibrant, raising $3.77 billion between 2021 and 2025, according to data checks by Nairametrics. Driven by youth innovation, digital adoption, and foreign rising investor confidence, Nigeria now leads Africa in startup investment, especially in fintech, healthtech, edtech, and logistics.
This explosion began in earnest around the mid-2010s, following the success of mobile money platforms and payment processors like Interswitch and Paystack. Landmark acquisitions, such as Stripe’s $200 million purchase of Paystack in 2020, established Nigeria’s place on the global venture capital map. Lagos, dubbed “Africa’s Silicon Valley,” is home to most of the country’s top-performing startups, including Flutterwave, Moove, and PiggyVest.
Despite infrastructure challenges, high inflation, and limited public sector involvement, Nigerian founders have built resilient tech businesses by solving everyday problems with scalable solutions from payment access to last-mile delivery. This private sector-led growth has created thousands of jobs, improved service delivery, and broadened financial inclusion.
Backed by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing diaspora involvement, Nigeria’s startup ecosystem continues to expand, proving that innovation and capital can thrive even in the absence of major government intervention.
The ride-hailing industry in Nigeria has become a billion-dollar lifeline for thousands of drivers and passengers, but not without its hiccups. As of 2024, the market generated $1.3 billion and is expected to hit $2.1 billion by 2028, according to the Nigerian Customer Service Index (NCSI). But this growth has been driven more by hustle than policy.
It all started in 2014 when Uber came to Lagos, a city that had long been defined by its yellow taxis and the infamous danfo buses. Uber’s clean interface and card payment options caught the attention of the middle class and youth population. Soon after, others like Bolt (formerly Taxify), EasyTaxi, OgaTaxi and later InDriver joined the party, offering lower fares, local language support and cash payment options to Nigerian commuters.
- Despite the influx of foreign players, local companies tried to get a piece of the action. Homegrown platforms like Oga Taxi launched in the same year as Uber and were celebrated as Nigeria’s answer to Silicon Valley’s ride-hailing boom.
- But the party soon ended. OgaTaxi, like many others, after struggling with limited funding, poor infrastructure and an uneven regulatory playing field, were consumed by macroeconomic shocks.
- According to the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), over 2,500 ride-hailing apps, mostly Nigerian-built, have tried to enter the market since 2014.
But in an industry dominated by global players with deep pockets and advanced tech, local startups found it almost impossible to survive the ride. And yet, the industry persists.
Operating in an informal economy, ride-hailing has become a convenience for passengers and a means of livelihood for thousands of Nigerians. But it hasn’t been easy. The 2023 fuel subsidy removal sent petrol prices up by over 400%, reducing drivers’ take-home pay and sparking protests. Inconsistent regulations across states, arbitrary taxes and city-specific licenses have made it tough.
But drivers and platforms have shown resilience and flexibility. Uber and Bolt have gone into delivery services to make up for reduced passenger numbers. Bolt launched Bolt Food in Lagos.
Drivers have also adapted by working on multiple platforms. Some prefer Bolt for higher fares, others InDrive for fare negotiations, though this sometimes means lower payouts. Others go for offline bookings to avoid app commissions altogether.
This is an industry that holds promise, yet the size of the industry remains hard to quantify due to its discreet nature. It is estimated that acquiring citizenship through these programs typically costs around $100,000. Industry insiders suggest some firms facilitate as many as 10 successful applications per month.
Beyond outright citizenship, the sector also includes a growing market for permanent residency options abroad. Nigeria can further tap into the booming $25 billion global industry, allowing individuals to acquire citizenship or residency through significant financial investments.
Significant legislative progress has been made toward establishing one. In March 2025, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed a constitutional amendment bill for citizenship by investment on its second reading, marking a pivotal step toward creating such a program.
Over half of the world’s countries now offer such pathways, with costs ranging from $230,000 in Antigua and Barbuda to multimillion-dollar investments in the UK and the US.
If successfully implemented, Nigeria’s CBI program could attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), boost infrastructure development, and create employment opportunities.
Mauritius and Seychelles currently dominate Africa’s citizenship by investment landscape, but Nigeria’s proposed program introduces unique advantages. Mauritius requires a $500,000 minimum investment in real estate or a $100,000 donation to its sovereign fund, while Seychelles mandates a $1 million investment in approved projects.
Nigeria offers access to Africa’s largest economy and membership in the ECOWAS bloc, which provides visa-free travel to 15 West African countries.
Economically, holders can tap into Nigeria’s N78.37 trillion GDP economy, invest in sectors like agriculture and tech, and benefit from double taxation avoidance agreements with 13 countries.
Nigeria’s e-commerce industry underwent a makeover, evolving from a niche concept to a major economic driver.
The early 2000s saw the very first sparks of online commerce in Nigeria with pioneering websites like ShopNigeria.com and DeNiger. However, these were largely ahead of their time, limited by low internet penetration and a lack of digital payment infrastructure.
The true take-off of e-commerce in Nigeria is widely attributed to 2012, with the launch of major players like Jumia and Konga. These platforms, backed by significant international investment, began to shape the market, introducing Nigerians to the convenience of online shopping
The Nigerian e-commerce market is a force to be reckoned with today. According to a report by Nairametrics, Nigeria’s e-commerce market is projected to reach $8.53 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $14.92 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.82% over the forecast period
This growth is driven by increasing internet penetration, widespread smartphone usage, and a rising middle class with disposable income.
The eLearning space in Nigeria, though still in its infancy, has been quietly evolving. As far back as 2010, platforms like PrepClass and Tuteria began challenging traditional education by connecting students with tutors and offering digital exam prep.
But COVID-19 sealed the deal for the industry’s scalability. The 2020 pandemic shut down schools nationwide, turning smartphones, radios, TVs, and even basic SMS into learning tools. Parents, teachers, and students were forced into digital learning overnight. That crisis unlocked massive adoptionand serious investment.
Popular platforms like Gopius, Coursera, uLesson, edX, 9IJA KIDS, Sololearn, classNotes, Lingokids, LinkedIn Learning, Unicaf, Alison, Elevate, and the National Open University (NOUN) have flourished through market demand and increasing internet penetration.
Among these, uLesson stands out, with over 2 million live lesson attendances, 5 million downloads, and 14 million lessons watched in just four years. Its MIVA Open University subsidiary secured an Open Distance eLearning License from the National Universities Commission (NUC) and launched accredited online bachelor’s degree programs in 2023, offering courses in Accounting, Business Management, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and more.
Yet, despite the lack of comprehensive government frameworks driving this sector, EdTech CEOs have attracted over $50 million in funding cumulatively, according to Nairametrics as of 2024. This reflects strong private sector confidence and a growing market eager to embrace digital learning solutions.
Nigeria’s makeup, beauty, and wellness industry has grown into a vibrant, self-sustaining sector driven by young entrepreneurs, influencers, and a deep cultural appreciation for style and self-expression, all without significant government intervention.
Nairametrics also reported that Nigeria holds a commanding share of $7.8 billion as of August 2023.
The rise began in the mid-2000s with makeup artists like Tara Fela-Durotoye (House of Tara) and Banke Meshida-Lawal (BMPro), who pioneered professional beauty services and training. As Instagram and YouTube took off in the 2010s, a new generation of beauty influencers emerged from Dimma Umeh to Jackie Aina, helping democratize beauty knowledge and product discovery.
The industry now spans skincare brands, organic wellness products, male grooming, spa businesses, and makeup studios. Entrepreneurs like Olamide Olowe (Topicals) and Joycee Awosika (Oríkì) are gaining global recognition for African-made beauty and wellness innovations.
According to Euromonitor, Nigeria’s beauty and personal care market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, with projections hitting $2.5 billion by 2027, driven by rising disposable income, youth population, and digital marketing.
The Nigerian crypto industry has faced a lot of resistance from the government through policies and regulatory warnings. But like the proverbial forbidden fruit, millions of Nigerians still latch on to this growing opportunity.
It is no wonder the country sits atop the industry as the biggest driver of adoption on the continent. In fact, Nairametrics reported that between July 2023 and June 2024, Nigeria’s crypto transactions hit a whopping $59 billion. This is deep rooted demand for alternative financial tools in a country with inflation, naira devaluation, among other things.
Yet to get a grasp of Nigeria’s crypto obsession, let’s flash back to the early 2010s when Bitcoin entered the local tech and online payment space.
Initially adopted by freelancers and digital entrepreneurs for cross border payments, it spread to the youth, early adopters and those excluded from mainstream finance. Peer-to-peer platforms like Paxful and LocalBitcoins became popular, especially during periods when banks restricted forex or capital controls tightened.
By the mid-2010s, crypto had become a full-blown movement. Nigerian developers started building platforms like BuyCoins, Quidax and Bundle, while influencers and online communities fueled public education and adoption.
- Even government crackdowns like the 2021 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive stopping banks from dealing in crypto only pushed the demand further underground, making Nigeria the number one in peer to peer trading volumes worldwide.
- Moreover, Nigeria leads the world in crypto ownership, with 73% of Nigerians owning crypto assets, according to ConsenSys’ second annual Global Survey the highest percentage globally, surpassing South Africa’s 68% and the Philippines’ 54%.
- This widespread adoption is partly driven by Nigerians living abroad who use cryptocurrencies to send money home, bypassing the high fees and delays associated with traditional remittance channels.
Although efforts to create clearer, balanced regulations are underway. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted that Nigeria’s cryptocurrency market will hit $52.5 million in 2028. The country’s crypto market in late 2024 was estimated to be worth over $400 million, with about 33% of Nigerians reported to own or use cryptocurrencies.
Now that these industries have proven their worth in building audiences, revenues, and reputations without much state support, the government is finally beginning to pay attention.
Nollywood, long operating in the shadows of informality and piracy, now has access to a N5 billion Creative Industry Financing Initiative from the Bank of Industry and CBN. In the tech ecosystem, the Nigerian Startup Act, signed into law in 2022, signaled a strategic pivot acknowledging startups as essential to Nigeria’s economic future. The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative further shows that shift, aiming to build a digitally skilled workforce ready to support Nigeria’s next generation of unicorns.
If these sectors could rise with little to no support, imagine how far they could go with sustained investment, policy protection, and smart infrastructure.
[Nairametrics]
More...
The once-tight relationship between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is reportedly under severe strain, as mounting evidence suggests a widening political rift with far-reaching implications for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of 2027.
Although both men have refrained from making public statements on the matter, top APC insiders at the state, zonal, and national levels confirm that a subtle but significant breakdown has occurred in the once-formidable alliance.
President Tinubu’s recent visit to Lagos further exposed the fractured ties. On arrival at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, eyewitnesses told The Guardian that the president bypassed a handshake with Governor Sanwo-Olu, greeting Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat instead—a move many described as deliberate.
Sources say the president’s media aides were instructed to edit footage of the arrival, particularly scenes that could stoke speculation about the fallout.
In a further departure from protocol, Sanwo-Olu was allegedly excluded from escorting the president to his Ikoyi residence, a role traditionally reserved for the state governor. That responsibility reportedly fell to Hamzat.
Missing in Action: Sanwo-Olu’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
The Lagos governor’s absence from several key events during the president’s stay—especially the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs—has deepened concerns.
Traditionally, the state governor is expected to deliver a goodwill message at such events, especially when held in Victoria Island, where ECOWAS was founded. When contacted, a member of the governor’s media team said he had “an important engagement elsewhere,” a response many observers dismissed as evasive.
Fallout Traced to Attempted Ouster of Lagos Assembly Speaker
According to multiple sources, the fallout may have been triggered by an alleged attempt by Sanwo-Olu to unseat the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
Reports indicate that 32 of the 40 lawmakers had signed a resolution for Obasa’s removal, allegedly backed by Sanwo-Olu, with plans to replace him with Mojisola Meranda. However, President Tinubu reportedly intervened, halting the plot and reinstating Obasa—an action interpreted as a stern warning to Sanwo-Olu.
A senior Lagos politician said, “That attempt was seen as a betrayal of Tinubu’s political structure. In Lagos politics, that’s not something you recover from easily.”
Sanwo-Olu Sidelined in APC Primaries
The ripple effects were evident during the APC local government primaries ahead of the July 12, 2025 council elections. Unlike in previous years, Sanwo-Olu had little say in selecting chairmanship candidates across Lagos’ 57 LGAs and LCDAs.
In a break from tradition, none of the shortlisted candidates was directly affiliated with the governor’s camp. The once-powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC), often aligned with the governor’s agenda, was also stripped of its influence, following what insiders describe as a directive from the presidency to reduce patronage and reclaim control of the grassroots base.
Absence from APC National Events Deepens Isolation
Sanwo-Olu’s absence from the APC National Policy and Performance Review Summit in Abuja—where Tinubu was formally endorsed for a second term—was seen by many as the clearest indication of his isolation.
Speculation is rife that the governor may have been barred from the Presidential Villa, following the assembly rebellion and other perceived acts of disloyalty.
Achimugu Controversy Adds Fuel
Adding to the tension is the controversy surrounding Ms. Aisha Achimugu, a businesswoman facing EFCC investigations over alleged financial misconduct.
Though the anti-graft agency has denied any political link between her probe and the governor, insiders suggest rivals within Lagos APC used the scandal to further erode Sanwo-Olu’s credibility.
Echoes of Tinubu’s Past Fallouts with Protégés
Political observers note a pattern in Tinubu’s political career: protégés who rise through his influence eventually fall out of favour when they begin asserting independence.
Former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode faced similar treatment. Fashola was nearly denied a second term in 2011, while Ambode was ousted after one term in 2019—paving the way for Sanwo-Olu, who was perceived then as more loyal.
Now, it appears Sanwo-Olu is walking the same path, with diminishing influence and increasing marginalisation.
Critics say this cycle of loyalty-based politics has disrupted governance in Lagos. Fashola’s urban renewal projects were shelved by Ambode, who in turn saw his major transport initiatives abandoned by Sanwo-Olu.
“Each time a fallout happens, critical projects are discarded to make room for new political interests,” a political analyst told The Guardian.
“The biggest losers are Lagosians who are caught in this revolving door of unfinished development.”
[NaijaNews]
The senator representing Abia North, Orji Kalu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to sack some of his minsters and service chiefs.
Kalu, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Monday.
The former Governor of Abia State said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take bold decisions for his government to succeed.
He said, “Some people working with President Tinubu should be relieved of their duties. Some of them should go — both from the security sector and among the ministers.
“President Tinubu must be courageous enough to sack some of these ministers. If he takes my advice, most of these ministers, I’ve appraised them and talked to him privately, most of them should go, and that is the truth.
“If he takes my advice, some of the security chiefs will also go. There is no sentiment about redeeming Nigeria if we really want to relieve Nigeria.”
However, Kalu said that Tinubu needs two more years for the economy to trickle down to ordinary Nigerians, saying ordinary Nigerians and manufacturers are bearing the brunt of the economic hardship.
He said, “The macro side is coming, but the other downsides are not coming very well. Nigerians in the lower area are still suffering. They have not started having the benefit of the changes President Tinubu is making.
“The changes are trickling down; it’s going to take another one to two years for the changes to come. And what is causing it is because insurgencies and the problems all over Nigeria are still making people not go to the farm. Some people working with Tinubu should be relieved of their duties.”
[DailyTrust]
There is looming fuel scarcity as the deadliest flood killed hundreds of persons and brought down the bridge in Mokwa, Niger State, connecting Northern Nigeria with the southwestern part of the country.
The bridge that collapsed last Wednesday has disrupted human and vehicular movements around the Mokwa Bridge, with petroleum product trucks not left out.
Although the death toll from the Mokwa, Niger, flood remained controversial, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported 153, but community members had suggested a higher death toll.
Speaking on the effect of the bridge collapse, senior officials at MRS and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited filling stations in Abuja hinted that the collapsed Mokwa Bridge may result in petroleum product scarcity during the 2025 Eid al-Adha (Sallah) celebration and holidays slated for June 6th and 9th.
An MRS official, who preferred anonymity, told DAILY POST that the development may disrupt distribution.
He, however, ensured that the petrol price would remain at N895 per litre during the Sallah break.
“Most of the petrol trucks are stranded due to the Mokwa Niger State bridge collapse.
“Honestly, I foresee fuel scarcity in Abuja and some parts of Northern Nigeria.
“I hope the government fixes the bridge on time, as our trucks had already made a u-turn, which is more expensive and time-consuming,” he told DAILY POST.
Another source at NNPCL agreed with the official at MRS, noting that the development may lead to fuel scarcity if adequate supply does not come from other routes such as Port Harcourt and Warri.
DAILY POST reports that Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s only domestic producer of petroleum, is located in Lekki, Lagos State. Mokwa Bridge is the easiest route to Abuja and Northern Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, the National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association, Billy Gillis-Harry, and the National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, James Tor, gave DAILY POST a very different perspective.
On his part, Gillis-Harry assured that its members would ensure an adequate supply of petrol from alternative sources and routes in Port Harcourt, Rivers, and Delta States to Abuja and across Nigeria.
According to him, there would be an adequate petrol supply throughout this year’s Eid al-Adha.
“One or two companies’ experiences in Abuja will not bring scarcity of petrol supply in Abuja and Nigeria.
“Our members will work with 11 PLC and Matrix to get supply from Port Harcout, Rivers and Delta states.
“The only thing is the transportation turnaround time.
“Our members will do their best to make sure fuel supply is available across the country during the Sallah.
“There should not be scarcity because we have alternatives,” he told DAILY POST.
However, Tor said the Mokwa Bridge collapse may lead to fuel supply shortages in Abuja and northern states.
He urged the federal government to quickly fix the collapsed bridge or resuscitate an alternative route to avert a possible looming fuel scarcity during the Eid al-Adha.
“The federal government needs to be proactive so that the other route is put into use for free vehicular and human movement across the regions.
“The Mokwa Bridge collapse will affect the free flow of supply.
“This will cause shortages. The unfortunate thing is that Salah is around the corner,” he told DAILY POST.
DAILY POST reports that the development comes as NNPCL, Dangote Refinery, and partners recently announced the latest reduction in the price of petrol to between N875 per litre and N910 per litre in Lagos and Abuja.
On Monday, the Nigerian government declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha.
[DailyPost]
The Federal Government must spend about N880bn annually for the maintenance of the federal road network nationwide, the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goroyo, declared on Monday.
This came as the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Chukwuemeka Abbasi, disclosed that the template for deducting the road user charge from the prices of petrol and diesel was never implemented by the defunct Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority, now the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The two government officials spoke in Abuja at an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee. The committee is investigating the implementation and remittances of the five per cent user charge for road maintenance under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency.
Speaking at the event, Goroyo said, “FERMA requires an estimated N880bn annually for optimal road conditions. Budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3bn in 2023, N103.3bn in 2024, while N168.9bn was budgeted for 2025.
“Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance. This persistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach.
“The consequences of this are glaring-deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike.
A proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding, is essential to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide.
“Thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the five per cent user charge are paramount. This dedicated funding stream offers a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations.”
He added that inadequate funding has been the major bane of the nation’s road infrastructure, stressing that even though the user charge was supposed to address the gap, the agency and the Ministry have not been able to access it.
On his part, the FERMA boss said, “Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works remains steadfast in the Renewed Hope Agenda, an agenda dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure that fosters economic growth, strengthens connectivity, and enhances the daily lives of our citizens.
“Our roads are the lifelines of commerce and social integration, and their maintenance is not merely a policy directive but a national imperative. The five per cent user charge, as enshrined in the FERMA Act, was designed to serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for road maintenance and rehabilitation. However, for years, FERMA has grappled with severe funding inadequacies, hampering its ability to maintain our vast road network effectively.”
Declaring the event open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recalled that the House had on 19th March considered a motion at plenary revealing the non-implementation of remittance of the five per cent user charge on petroleum products meant for road maintenance under the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007.
He said, “We owe Nigerians the obligation by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status of the five per cent user charge to determine the extent of the violation of the law and the amount of money unremitted and those responsible for the non-implementation.”
He stressed that the investigative hearing should also be able to make strong recommendations on how to forestall further abuse of the law and streamline the remittance processes for ease of access to the funds by the relevant government agencies.
The Chairman of the Committee, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, said the user charge is not an attempt to increase the prices of petroleum products or to amend the law since it has been part of the law since 2007.
He added that the purpose of the investigation is to address the anomalies existing through disobedience to existing laws, adding that the House will ensure that every law passed by the parliament is complied with both by individuals and agencies of government.
[Punch]