The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Boosting vaccination coverage key to global health security – Olulaja 

    Boosting vaccination coverage key to global health security – Olulaja 

    By Alao Joshua

    As we live in a world where infectious diseases can easily cross borders, strengthening global health security is more important than ever. Vaccines are a cornerstone of preventing and controlling these diseases, offering protection against widespread outbreaks. In light of Nigeria’s recent recovery from the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigerian physician and public health expert, Dr. Olufemi Olulaja, emphasizes the critical need to boost vaccination coverage as a primary strategy for securing global health.

    Dr. Olulaja, a researcher at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), highlights that vaccine misinformation remains a significant obstacle. “Despite the clear benefits, misinformation and distrust fuel vaccine hesitancy, threatening progress in achieving optimal vaccination coverage,” he stated. He stressed that addressing vaccine hesitancy requires engaging communities and building trust by providing accurate information about vaccine safety and benefits.

    However, vaccine hesitancy is not the only challenge. Dr. Olulaja also pointed out the importance of equitable access to vaccines. “To enhance global health security, we need to address inequities in vaccine distribution, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. International cooperation, investment in healthcare infrastructure, and innovative distribution strategies are crucial in ensuring that vaccines reach everyone in need.” Initiatives like COVAX, aimed at providing vaccines to under-resourced countries, play a vital role in this mission, and Nigeria must take full advantage of these opportunities.

    Vaccines not only protect individuals but also strengthen communities by preventing the spread of new and reemerging diseases. Dr. Olulaja explains that vaccination primes the immune system to identify and fight specific pathogens, making it the most effective strategy for controlling infectious diseases. Historical examples, such as the eradication of smallpox and the near elimination of polio, demonstrate the power of widespread vaccination campaigns.

    Dr. Olulaja also discussed the concept of herd immunity, which protects vulnerable populations by reducing the number of susceptible individuals in a community. “When enough people are vaccinated, the chances of a disease spreading to those unable to be vaccinated—such as the very young or those with certain health conditions—are significantly reduced.” He added that the COVID-19 pandemic has proven how easily diseases can transcend borders, reinforcing the need for high vaccination rates to create a global shield against such threats.

    Data from Nigeria’s 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey/National Immunization Coverage Survey shows only 36% of Nigerian children aged 12–23 months have received all recommended vaccines, with regions in the North showing the lowest vaccination rates. This highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in these underserved areas.

    According to the Global Health Security (GHS) Index, which assesses countries’ preparedness to prevent pandemics, Nigeria’s score of 38.0 indicates room for significant improvement compared to South Africa (45.8) and Kenya (48.8). Dr. Olulaja noted that this underscores the need for Nigeria to invest more in healthcare infrastructure and preparedness.

    Dr. Olulaja argues that increasing vaccination coverage is about more than administering shots—it involves building a robust health system that can deliver vaccines equitably and efficiently. “Vaccination is the foundation of primary healthcare systems and plays a key role in achieving universal health coverage. By increasing vaccination rates, we reduce the burden of preventable diseases on healthcare systems, freeing up resources for other critical health needs.”

    To move forward, Dr. Olulaja urges for a collaborative approach, calling on government leaders, healthcare providers, researchers, communities, and other stakeholders to advocate for increased funding for vaccine research and distribution, combat vaccine hesitancy, and ensure equitable access to vaccines. “Only by working together can we achieve a future where vaccine-preventable diseases are eradicated, and our global community is better prepared for future health threats.”

    Boosting vaccination coverage is an investment in a healthier, safer, and more resilient world. The path to achieving true global health security is clear – vaccination is key, and it’s time to fully commit to this effort.

  • Tola Ore-Aruwaji: From grassroots to global tech impact

    Tola Ore-Aruwaji: From grassroots to global tech impact

    From humble beginnings to the forefront of global technology, Tola Ore-Aruwaji’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Yet, an innate curiosity and unwavering determination propelled him forward.

    While initially pursuing an Electrical and Information Engineering degree at Landmark University, Tola’s true calling lies in building thriving developer communities. 

    Self-taught through online platforms, he mastered programming, cloud engineering, and the fundamentals of Artificial intelligence. This self-directed learning journey laid the foundation for his successful tech career.

    Tola’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident during his time at the Landmark University. Tola was selected from a pool of over 5,000 students and served as the Google Developer Students Club (GDSC) Lead at his university from 2019 to 2020. During their tenure as GDSC Lead, Tola cultivated a vibrant community of over 3,000 software development enthusiasts. 

    Through a robust program of over 30 events and meetups, they fostered a passion for coding and the Google Cloud Platform among their peers. Tola’s collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to student success resulted in a highly engaged community and exceptional achievements.

    ​​Building on this success, Tola expanded his horizons by joining Microsoft as his university’s Student Partner program lead. As a leader, he organised hackathons, championed Microsoft tools, and mentored fellow students. 

    Recognising their exceptional contributions, Tola was honoured with the prestigious Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador role. Beyond technical expertise, Tola is a dedicated social entrepreneur. As Campus Director for the Landmark University chapter of the Hult Prize, where he helped inspire over 1,000 students to address critical energy challenges. 

    Read Also: ‘Abiodun advocate of grassroots development’

    With a growing reputation as a “developer crusader,” Tola became a sought-after speaker at prominent tech events across Africa. His infectious enthusiasm and expertise inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in technology and led to a role at CTO.ai, an AI-first technology company helping developers and enterprise businesses measure & automate cloud delivery with DevOps as a Service.

    As a Developer Relations Engineer at CTO.ai, Tola is instrumental in bridging the gap between technical knowledge and clear communication for global startups. His work empowers developers to harness the full potential of CTO.ai tools, contributing to the creation of exceptional digital experiences.

    Tola’s story is a beacon of hope for aspiring developers in Africa. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of education, self-belief, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. As he continues bridging the gap between African talent and global tech companies, Tola is shaping the industry’s future and inspiring a new generation of innovators.

  • Human-centric solutions: How Salami Mubarak leverages product design to enhance customer experience

    Human-centric solutions: How Salami Mubarak leverages product design to enhance customer experience

    Salami Mubarak, also known as Layor Salami, is an entrepreneur and accomplished product designer whose impact in developing human-centric solutions has been nothing short of transformative. With a diverse professional background spanning various industries, Salami has consistently demonstrated a resolute commitment to leveraging design thinking to solve complex problems and enhance customer experiences.

    His entrepreneurial journey began early on when he launched his first company as a university student. His innovative online salon booking app revolutionized the way students could conveniently schedule appointments with local stylists, showcasing his keen ability to identify customer needs and provide cutting-edge solutions. This early success laid the foundation for his future endeavors in developing tech-based solutions that drive positive change across key sectors in Africa.

    One of Salami Mubarak’s most impactful projects is the creation of Sharply Africa, a no-code logistics management solution tailored to small and medium-sized businesses in Africa. Launched in 2020 during a period of rapid e-commerce growth on the continent, Sharply Africa empowered businesses to optimize their delivery operations, communicate effectively with customers, manage riders efficiently, and gain valuable data-driven insights. By focusing on the needs of businesses in Africa and providing an intuitive platform for logistics management, Mubarak’s Sharply Africa has revolutionized the way companies operate in the region.

    In the healthcare sector, Salami Mubarak’s work on Indigo EMR (Electronic Medical Records) has been equally groundbreaking. By developing solutions aimed at improving operational efficiency in healthcare, such as claims management systems, mental health solutions, and patient management systems, he significantly reduced administrative burdens for healthcare organizations. This, in turn, has allowed healthcare providers to focus more on patient care, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services across the continent. His contribution to healthcare centers like Eyeshop is also laudable, as evidenced by his meticulous work and impactful contributions to the sales website design.

    Salami Mubarak’s commitment to mentoring students and growing the tech ecosystem further underscores his dedication to supporting the next generation of technologists. Through programs like iCreative Learn, Summit Tech Academy and a few others, he has worked closely with over 175 students and mentees, guiding them in design, product development, and entrepreneurship. By sharing his experiences and insights, he not only empowers aspiring technologists but also fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration within the tech community.

    From his work with leading lifestyle and entertainment organizations like Filmhouse, EbonyLife, Nubian Skin, Salami Mubarak’s focus on creating solutions that aid customer support and experience is worthy of note. 

    At Filmhouse, he collaborated with the team to refine the online booking flow, enhancing user experience. He also played a pivotal role in crafting an immersive cinema experience for EbonyLife Cinemas

    Read Also: Gbolahan Salami shoots to top of goals chart

    Nubian Skin benefited from Mubarak’s expertise in UX and UI design, particularly focusing on enhancing the mobile user experience that greatly impacted the brand.

    As an entrepreneur and product designer, Salami Mubarak places human experience at the core of his work. His innovative projects are designed to solve key problems for end users and enhance their lives, whether it be building technology solutions for small businesses, hospitals, or corporations. By taking a human-centered approach, he gains valuable insights into how to best serve different groups and build solutions that drive adoption and loyalty.

    In conclusion, Salami Mubarak’s journey exemplifies the immense power of design thinking to unlock creative solutions that benefit both businesses and their customers. Through his relentless passion, perseverance, and commitment to human-centric design, he has not only transformed challenges into opportunities for growth but has also inspired a new generation of innovators to follow in his footsteps. His impact in developing human-centric solutions showcases the power positive change that can be achieved through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a deep understanding of customer needs.

  • From financial innovation to global policy impact: The dynamic stress testing model

    From financial innovation to global policy impact: The dynamic stress testing model

    A financial risk expert, Mr. Titus Okwuchukwu Obiezue, has delivered a groundbreaking presentation on his Dynamic Stress Testing Model (DSTM) at the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Washington, D.C.

    The DSTM is a framework that evaluates systemic risk in emerging and advanced economies.

    Mr. Obiezue spoke during a high-level policy session titled “From Risk to Resilience: Firm-Level Insights on Managing Capital Inflows”, attended by central bank governors, senior IMF economists, and financial stability directors from over 85 countries. His presentation centered on the integration of macro-financial linkages into stress testing systems, a methodological innovation that enhances the precision and real-time responsiveness of financial sector supervision.

    A Global Standard in Financial Stability Analysis

    Obiezue’s Dynamic Stress Testing Model has evolved into a globally relevant framework for macroprudential oversight. The model introduced a scenario-driven architecture that combines market risk, credit exposures, and real-sector variables—such as GDP, employment, and exchange rates—into an adaptive platform for predicting financial vulnerabilities.

    Obiezue emphasized that “traditional stress testing approaches often fail to capture the nonlinear interactions between macroeconomic shocks and institutional balance sheets. The DSTM closes that gap, allowing policymakers to simulate complex contagion paths and design proactive interventions before crises escalate.”

    His remarks drew attention from policy and research leaders, including IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who praised the model’s contribution to “strengthening early warning systems and financial resilience in developing and frontier economies.”

    Transformational Impact on Emerging-Market Regulation

    Since its adoption by the CBN in 2019, the Dynamic Stress Testing Model has become a benchmark for financial stability analytics in Africa. It forms the core of Nigeria’s Guidelines on Stress Testing for Banks, published in collaboration with the IMF, and is now being adapted by several West African central banks under the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM).

    Under Obiezue’s leadership, the DSTM improved the accuracy of systemic risk forecasts by 60% and reduced response times to market shocks by nearly 40%. The model was instrumental during periods of heightened global volatility—helping Nigerian banks maintain capital adequacy ratios above Basel III standards and safeguarding financial stability amid oil price fluctuations and exchange rate pressures.

    Driving Global Financial Resilience

    Experts at the Annual Meetings agreed that Mr. Obiezue’s work is helping shape a new generation of macroprudential stress testing standards—combining academic rigor with policy relevance. Mr. Obiezue concluded his presentation by emphasizing the model’s role in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through financial stability: “A resilient financial system is not only a safeguard for markets—it is the foundation for sustainable growth, employment, and poverty reduction.”

  • Driving digital finance forward: Baruwa on optimising payments, customer experience

    Driving digital finance forward: Baruwa on optimising payments, customer experience

    By Omotade Folawe

    In an era where digital banking increasingly defines how Nigerians access financial services, the effectiveness of product design and data-driven decision-making can determine both adoption and trust. 

    Abdulazeez Baruwa, a Senior Product Manager in Digital Payments & FinTech at Polaris Bank, has been at the forefront of refining these systems to improve user experience, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes.

    Baruwa’s focus has been on identifying friction points in digital onboarding and payment workflows, then using analytics to translate insights into practical product improvements. 

    “Even small drop-offs in the onboarding process can have large downstream effects on adoption and retention,” he noted. 

    By systematically analysing user behavior, he was able to implement changes that reduced drop-off rates by 30%, while improving conversion on key onboarding features by 45%. 

    “Our goal is to ensure that technology serves customers efficiently, not just elegantly,” Baruwa explains.

    A key aspect of his work involved streamlining core app functionalities, including same-day loans and card issuance. These features were not introduced for novelty; they were data-driven responses to recurring bottlenecks identified across user segments. 

    “When we observed delays in access to critical services, we designed solutions that both accelerated delivery and improved reliability,” Baruwa says. The initiative resulted in a measurable impact on revenue and service uptake, demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating user insights with product strategy.

    Beyond product features, Baruwa emphasizes the importance of structured processes in team operations. Through sprint planning, backlog refinement, and prioritization, he improved delivery timelines by 10% while maintaining high-quality outputs. 

    “Efficiency isn’t only about technology; it’s about aligning teams and workflows so that insights are acted upon promptly and effectively,” he adds.

    Baruwa’s approach underscores a broader lesson for the Nigerian fintech ecosystem: digital financial products succeed when they are rooted in evidence, responsive to customer behavior, and designed to anticipate operational challenges. 

    By combining predictive analytics with iterative design, his work demonstrates how financial institutions can expand inclusion, optimize resources, and build trust in digital channels.

    As digital banking adoption continues to grow across the country, insights from practitioners like Abdulazeez Baruwa provide guidance on balancing innovation with practicality. 

    “Data-driven design allows us to respond to real needs, rather than assumptions,” he observes. “It’s this intersection of technology, analytics, and customer understanding that ultimately strengthens financial systems and supports sustainable growth.”

  • A dazzling display of Nigerian fashion

    A dazzling display of Nigerian fashion

    • By, Kehinde Oluleye 

    Ivana Nnenna Egun, a talented and upcoming fashion designer in Nigeria, is set to make waves in the fashion industry with her highly anticipated collection, Glam It Up 2021. With her creative vision and attention to detail, Egun has crafted a collection that effortlessly combines glamour and cultural influences, promising an unforgettable fashion experience.

    The Glam It Up Collection 2021 is a testament to Egun’s passion for creating exquisite garments that celebrate the essence of Nigerian fashion. Each piece in the collection exudes opulence and sophistication, incorporating intricate embellishments, luxurious fabrics, and eye-catching details that leave a lasting impression.

    Egun’s talent for blending traditional Nigerian elements with contemporary designs is evident throughout the collection. The carefully curated selection of fabrics includes rich lace, shimmering sequins, and traditional Nigerian textiles, such as Aso-Oke and Adire. These materials serve as a canvas for Egun’s creativity, allowing her to infuse the garments with a sense of cultural pride and authenticity.

    Read Also: Seyi Vodi: My national honour award for fashion Industry

    One of the highlights of the Glam It Up Collection 2021 is Egun’s impeccable craftsmanship. 

     The Glam It Up Collection 2021 caters to diverse fashion preferences. Egun’s ability to create versatile pieces that exude elegance and sophistication is a testament to her understanding of modern woman’s fashion needs.

    In terms of color palette, the Glam It Up Collection 2021 dazzles with a combination of bold and muted hues. . The color choices reflect Egun’s artistry in creating a visually striking collection that is sure to turn heads.

    Ivana Nnenna Egun’s Glam It Up Collection 2021 marks her emergence as a rising star in the Nigerian fashion scene. 

    Overall, the Glam It Up Collection 2021 is a testament to Ivana Nnenna Egun’s exceptional talent and promising future as a Nigerian fashion designer. Her ability to create garments that seamlessly blend cultural heritage and contemporary trends is commendable. As fashion enthusiasts, we eagerly anticipate Egun’s future collections, as she continues to captivate us with her innovative designs and impeccable craftsmanship.

  • NYSC, SAED, professional okay forex trading education for graduates

    NYSC, SAED, professional okay forex trading education for graduates

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and  Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme of the federal government and dorex trader, Temitope Ijibadejo, have entered into a ollaboration to provide opportunity for young graduates to tap into the dynamic world of forex trading, unlocking a new era of financial independence and entrepreneurship.

    The SAED Programme, a pivotal initiative by the federal government, is dedicated to equipping young graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to tread the path of entrepreneurship. 

    Recognising the potential of forex trading as a vehicle for financial growth and independence, Ijibadejo said he has committed his expertise, time, and resources to train and mentor an impressive cohort of 5,000 young graduates, over the past four years through the SAED programme which was launched by the federal fovernment in 2012 to mitigate the challenge of joblessness faced by graduates after school. 

    He said: “Imparting knowledge is the only way the teacher can keep abreast of developments in his field.  Forex trading education is important for young graduates who are willing to be entrepreneurs. Hence, I enjoy the opportunity to mentor young people who are enthusiastic about forex trading and business development,” he said.

    Ijibadejo noted that the greatest challenge facing Nigeria isn’t so much the type that can be solved by the government, but individuals. 

     “The greatest fallacy young people believe is that government will create jobs; all the jobs the nation needs. That is just not possible. Our country has enormous potential in human material resources. Our market is about the largest in Africa. What more do we need? Nothing but ability to spot opportunities and develop those opportunities.”

    Read Also: Palliative: Zulum donates N30,000 each to NYSC members

    The forex trader noted that the partnership is not merely about education; it is about nurturing a new generation of traders who are equipped with the skills to navigate the intricate forex market and forge their own paths as entrepreneurs.

    His words: “The partnership is all about nurturing a generation that is not only equipped to tackle economic challenges but also poised to steer Nigeria toward a future of sustained growth and prosperity.”

    He noted that forex trading is a  dynamic and evolving domain within the financial world, requiring  a unique blend of knowledge, strategy, and resilience, adding that it is needed to foster economic growth and social progress.

  • Nigeria’s top 10 Startup founders in 2020

    Nigeria’s top 10 Startup founders in 2020

    2020 has been a year of uncertainty, disruption, and reinvention. But in the midst of it all, a new generation of Nigerian founders is stepping up to meet urgent challenges with bold solutions. Across sectors like digital marketing, fintech, health, education, and technology infrastructure, these visionaries are proving that innovation doesn’t wait. It builds, especially in tough times.

    1. Odunayo Eweniyi – Co-founder & COO, PiggyVest

    Odunayo Eweniyi co-founded PiggyVest, Nigeria’s digital savings and investment platform. With a background in computer engineering and a passion for financial inclusion, Odunayo played a pivotal role in digitizing traditional savings methods, making them accessible to millions of Nigerians.​

    PiggyVest’s mission is to empower individuals to manage their finances effectively through automated savings and investment options. The platform offers features like Piggybank, SafeLock, and Target Savings, catering to diverse financial goals.​

    Beyond her role at PiggyVest, Odunayo is a vocal advocate for women’s participation in tech and finance. She co-founded the Feminist Coalition and FirstCheck Africa, initiatives aimed at supporting women-led startups and promoting gender equality in the tech ecosystem. 

    2. Misbaudeen Yusuff Adeshina – Founder & CEO, Yusadtech

    This year, Misbaudeen Yusuff Adeshina officially launched Yusadtech, a digital marketing and tech innovation firm with a bold vision: to power businesses across Africa with scalable marketing infrastructure and data-driven growth systems. With more than 5 years of experience behind him, Misbaudeen isn’t entering the space quietly, he’s building an ecosystem.

    Yusadtech is already attracting attention for its unique blend of high-converting media buying strategies, SEO mastery, and hands-on business development support. From web creation to funnel optimization, the firm is helping brands, platforms, and publishers grow audiences and revenue in real time.

    3. Sim Shagaya – Founder & CEO, uLesson

    Sim Shagaya’s latest venture, uLesson, is quickly establishing itself as one of Nigeria’s most timely innovations in education. Launched in late 2019 and scaling through 2020, the app delivers curriculum-based learning directly to students’ mobile devices, a crucial solution as schools across the country grapple with closures and digital divides.

    uLesson is more than just edtech. It’s a bet on Africa’s intellectual future, and Sim’s leadership is making it happen. He’s leveraging his deep experience in media and consumer tech to deliver engaging, accessible educational content to thousands of students, and growing.

    4. Mark Essien – Founder & CEO, Hotels.ng

    Mark Essien is proving that even in a year of travel slowdowns, smart tech entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the curve. His startup Hotels.ng, Nigeria’s leading hotel booking platform, is navigating 2020 with resilience, optimizing operations and expanding digital services for the hospitality industry.

    Hotels.ng remains a model for local tech success. Mark is also training the next generation through his internship programs, which are rapidly becoming a launchpad for software developers across the country.

    5. Ifeanyi Ossai – Founder & CEO, CribMD

    This year, Ifeanyi Ossai stepped into the spotlight with the launch of CribMD, a telemedicine platform born out of necessity and built for scale. As the pandemic made traditional healthcare delivery harder, CribMD introduced a powerful alternative: online consultations, home visits, and subscription-based health care.

    CribMD is addressing a real gap in access, offering patients across Nigeria a way to get timely, affordable medical care without leaving their homes. Ifeanyi’s bold vision is positioning him as one of the most important new voices in African health tech.

    CribMD’s mission is to provide affordable and convenient healthcare services through virtual consultations, home visits, and subscription-based plans. The platform addresses the need for accessible healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.​

    6. Olusehinde Elijah Kolawole – Founder & CEO, Owlet

    Tech entrepreneur Olusehinde Elijah Kolawole is making waves this year with Owlet, a digital platform that’s quickly branching out into fintech, commerce, and everyday solutions. From launching Quickshop (a fast-growing e-commerce tool) to building OwletPay and ChequeMate, Olusehinde is betting on versatility and innovation.

    Owlet’s goal is to solve real problems for real people, fast. And this year, his company is gaining momentum as a locally-built alternative to imported tech. The rollout of Owlet’s product suite is proof that homegrown tools can meet global standards.

    Owlet’s mission is to leverage technology to solve everyday problems through platforms like Quickshop for e-commerce, OwletPay for digital payments, and ChequeMate for financial management. These solutions are designed to streamline processes and improve efficiency for both consumers and businesses.​

    Olusehinde’s commitment to technological advancement has made Owlet a notable contributor to Nigeria’s digital transformation, fostering growth and accessibility in various industries.

    7. Abasi Ene-Obong – Founder, 54gene

    Genomics might not be top of mind for most Nigerians, but Abasi Ene-Obong is changing that with 54gene. In 2020, his startup is advancing African-led health research at an unprecedented pace. With labs, funding, and an ambitious goal to collect genomic data across Africa, 54gene is poised to reshape global medical understanding.

    Abasi is using this year to expand partnerships and raise awareness about Africa’s critical role in global biotech. His leadership is placing Nigeria on the map as a key player in the next era of precision medicine.

    8. Ifeoma Uddoh – Founder, Shecluded

    Ifeoma Uddoh is on a mission to democratize access to capital, especially for women. This year, her startup Shecluded is offering loans, financial planning, and investment services to women-led businesses in Nigeria.

    Shecluded is built on a simple but powerful idea: women deserve tailored financial tools. Ifeoma’s work is expanding rapidly in 2020, helping thousands of women overcome funding barriers and grow their enterprises with confidence.

    9. Bosun Tijani – Co-founder, CcHub

    Bosun Tijani has been a key figure in Nigeria’s tech space for years, but 2020 is another chapter in his impact story. At Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), he’s guiding startup incubation, innovation funding, and pan-African collaboration, even during the toughest business conditions.

    With iHub Kenya now integrated into the CcHub network, Bosun’s influence is stretching beyond Nigeria, creating one of the most connected tech communities on the continent.

    10. Christian Idiodi – Co-founder, Product School Africa

    Christian Idiodi is co-founding Product School Africa this year, a bold initiative to train and mentor the next wave of product managers across the continent. With his global experience and leadership at Silicon Valley Product Group, Christian is bringing world-class product thinking home.

    Product School Africa is helping Nigerian startups build better products, solve deeper problems, and position themselves for growth. It’s early days, but Christian’s impact is already being felt through every founder he mentors and every product he helps shape.

    These founders exemplify the spirit of innovation and resilience, driving Nigeria’s tech ecosystem forward. Their contributions in 2020 have laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and technologically advanced future.

  • Ivana Nnenna Egun’s “Uniquely me” collection: A captivating fashion showcase

    Ivana Nnenna Egun’s “Uniquely me” collection: A captivating fashion showcase

    • By, Kehinde Oluleye 

    Ivana Nnenna Egun, the brilliant fashion designer known for her innovative designs and artistic flair, unveiled her highly anticipated second collection, titled “Uniquely Me,” in the year 2020. With its bold and captivating aesthetic, Egun’s latest fashion line has left fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders awe-inspired, solidifying her position as a rising star in the fashion world.

    From the moment the lights dimmed and the runway came alive, it was evident that “Uniquely Me” was set to be a remarkable fashion spectacle. Egun’s collection radiated an air of confidence and self-expression, embracing the idea that fashion is a powerful means of showcasing individuality and personal style.

    The collection featured a rich tapestry of colors, patterns, and textures, expertly combined to create visually stunning ensembles. Egun’s masterful use of unconventional fabrics and unexpected embellishments added an element of surprise and intrigue to each garment. From opulent sequined gowns to avant-garde geometric designs, the collection effortlessly blended contemporary silhouettes with traditional elements, resulting in an exquisite fusion of old and new.

    Read Also: Seyi Vodi: My national honour award for fashion Industry

    One notable aspect of the “Uniquely Me” collection was its celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Egun’s models, carefully selected to represent a broad range of ages, sizes, and ethnicities, showcased her designs with grace and confidence. This deliberate choice not only emphasized the collection’s theme of embracing individuality but also challenged the industry’s traditional beauty standards, encouraging acceptance and self-love.

    Egun’s attention to detail was apparent throughout the collection, with impeccable tailoring and exquisite craftsmanship evident in every piece. From delicately hand-stitched embroidery to meticulously placed beadwork, each garment exuded a sense of artistry and precision. It was evident that Egun poured her heart and soul into the creation of each design, resulting in a collection that spoke volumes about her talent and dedication to her craft.

    In addition to its visual appeal, the “Uniquely Me” collection also demonstrated Egun’s commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices. The designer’s conscious choice of eco-friendly fabrics and her use of traditional handweaving techniques showcased her dedication to reducing the fashion industry’s environmental impact. By embracing sustainable fashion, Egun proved that style and ethics can coexist harmoniously, setting an inspiring example for her peers and admirers.

    As the show drew to a close, the audience erupted in applause, acknowledging Ivana Nnenna Egun’s remarkable talent and her ability to create a collection that resonated with its viewers on a profound level. “Uniquely Me” was a testament to Egun’s artistic vision, pushing the boundaries of fashion and challenging societal norms.

  • Gorgeous creative director Faith Obot unveils ‘Temere collections’

    Gorgeous creative director Faith Obot unveils ‘Temere collections’

    • By, Kehinde Oluleye 

    It’s been almost a year since Faith Florence Emmanuel Obot the founder and creative director of K3D Couture launched her first collection GINA COLLECTIONS. In 2019, fashion and lifestyle enthusiasts have found Faith Florence to be unique, innovative, and an excellent designer. 

    The K3D Couture creative director is back with another head wrap look collection “TEMERE COLLECTIONS” and was just bursting, clearly a collection of designs that will be widely worn by stylish women on and off camera. Faith Florence and her Brand collection “TEMERE COLLECTIONS” is a statement of a young creative and imaginative designer starting to break into the fashion industry, finding her feet and her unique style of fashion Design Systems and fashion lifestyles.

     “My main priority is to be a positive influence in the fashion industry while making young girls and women look good,” she said. 

    Just like Mark Zuckerberg said, “Ideas don’t come in the full form” Over the years Faith Florence has gained more experience in the fashion industry and fashion business in Nigeria and Africa so I devoted the knowledge gained to grow and scale my business from just making dresses to making young girls and women look good and releasing yearly collections. 

    Faith Florence, in her quest for excellence and her creative vision, gave birth to this TEMERE collection in 2020. In her usual character, Faith Florence and K3D couture’s passion extend well beyond the fashion industry as seen at the launch of her collaboration with other fashion designers, creative directors, photographers, and musical icons. Her desire and passion are truly impressive. 

    Faith Florence is very creative and innovative, she approaches her work with an astute sense of detachment. She processes constructive criticism well and is always willing to go the extra mile to take her work to the highest level of formal and conceptual refinement.  In her statement collection. “TEMERE collections” Faith Florence shows a great sense of knowledge, accuracy, and purpose, this is evident in her choice of color “BLACK” Black is the eternal color in the fashion industry. And it will never go out of fashion. Many people prioritize black when selecting a color for their clothing. Why is black always durable over time? Why has it become such a popular color over time? Her new collection “TEMERA COLLECTIONS” defines the secret to this beauty on display. “TEMERE COLLECTIONS” as comfortably described by the creative director of K3D Couture, in her words “Black is the most effective color for fooling the eyes” many also believe that black is appropriate for all ages with the advantages that clothing provides, it will undoubtedly become an essential color in most wardrobes because black is a fashion icon, it never goes out of style. The charm combined with the mystery in the black design always creates a lasting impression. 

    With the launch of TEMERE COLLECTIONS Faith Florence, understand that as a fashion designer, she has contributed her skills and proficiency as a creative designer through tradeable culture and distinctive creative design that support the economic, social, cultural, and environmental development of the country.

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    “I wished to create a collection for women who like me, want to dress in a way that is fully aligned with who they are today…” said Faith Florence. “Women in love with the beauty meaning true magnificence, the kind that never goes out of fashion. Pure elegance. Clothes that can be adored over time, worn in a variety of circumstances, and in countless ways without losing their value or relevance…” Faith Florence confirmed that she used the Black color knowing that Black is meant to last a lifetime and passed on to the next generation. Garments like those of TEMERE COLLECTIONS which time make more and more precious because they are accompanied by slices of life and carry with them experiences, memories, and memorable moments. It is this belief in Black Elegance that she has transposed to the TEMERE COLLECTIONS, designed with sustainability in mind. She also focused on classic shapes that will last more than a season, and the staple pieces will be available on order. 

    The TEMERE COLLECTIONS have clearly shown Florence’s skills and craftsmanship are highly developed and she has an incredibly astute attention to detail with a broader stylistic focus that allows her to consider how effectively her compositions function as a whole. Therein, Faith Florence creates designs in TEMERE COLLECTIONS that are cohesive in form and eloquent in the communication of sophisticated concepts. The TEMERE collection is an incredibly well-rounded collection of designs all in Black and she has found a way to balance all of the aspects of the creative process of design launch with apparent ease.