The Nation Newspaper

Category: CEO

  • Eight Nigerian women shaping global B2B SaaS content marketing

    Eight Nigerian women shaping global B2B SaaS content marketing

    Just six years ago, the dream of building a global career from Nigeria felt out of reach for many ambitious professionals. Unreliable power supply, patchy internet connectivity, and limited access to international networks made competing on the world stage a steep climb.

    But the story’s different today. More Nigerians are working remotely with companies around the world as team leads and key contributors, especially in content marketing where B2B SaaS brands rely on it as a growth lever to build trust, drive product adoption, and grow their revenue. 

    A few have taken their career even further, some leading and others executing global content programs, contributing millions in organic traffic and revenue for globally recognized companies. Alongside their work, they also mentor early-career marketers, judge international awards, and create resources that educate others in the industry.

    This feature highlights eight of them, the work they do, and the impact they are making. 

    1. Chima Mmeje

    Chima Mmeje leads content strategy at Moz, overseeing a vast website with over 1.4 million pages to reclaim lost traffic and boost conversions. Alongside her day-to-day work, she shares her expertise through The Practical Marketer webinar series and hosts MozPod, a podcast that explores the stories behind successful SEO campaigns and brings real-world insights to the global marketing community.

    Before joining Moz, Mmeje built her reputation running ZenithCopy, a consultancy helping SaaS companies like Semrush, Wix, Aura, and GoLinks scale using product-focused content. Her strategies delivered tangible results, like helping Aura increase organic traffic by 90% in six months and doubling Aurelius’s traffic in just eight.

    Beyond the corporate world, Mmeje is passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices. She founded the Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries (FCDC), a global community providing free training and mentorship to BIPOC freelancers. Her thought leadership has earned her features in HubSpot, Entrepreneur, and Search Engine Journal, invitations to judge prestigious awards like the 2021 Search Engine Land Awards, and speaking spots at international conferences including BrightonSEO and MozCon. She’s also the creator of Content Marketing Principles for Business course on Semrush Academy.

    2. Jessica Tee Orika-Owunna

    Jessica Tee Orika-Owunna is a content marketing strategist and senior writer. Over the past eight years, she has worked with B2B SaaS companies like Softr, Contentsquare, Hotjar, and Vena, driving conversions, product adoption, and inbound growth. She now runs her own consultancy, SaaS Content Brand, where she helps growth-stage SaaS companies turn internal insights into content that drives signups and supports sales, product marketing, and customer-facing teams.

    Orika-Owunna’s journey began in 2017 as a generalist writer, but it was in 2020 that she found her niche in B2B SaaS content marketing. Between 2021 and 2023, she was a Senior Content Marketing Specialist at Foundation Marketing Inc., a Canadian agency. There, she co-owned the strategy and execution of Foundation’s SaaS Growth Strategies & Breakdowns library, along with the weekly newsletter which she grew from 4,000 to over 21,000 subscribers. Her efforts also contributed to millions in revenue and organic traffic, brought in qualified leads, and created a new revenue stream for the company through sponsorships from companies like Marketing Brew and The Juice.

    Read Also: Content marketing: NBC to deepen Nollywood market penetration

    Orika-Owunna also gives back to the community, serving as a judge for prestigious global awards such as the 2025 US Search Awards and the Global Digital Excellence Awards. She edits content for the Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries and mentors early-career marketers on platforms like ADPList. Recently accepted into GrowthMentor, she supports marketers and B2B SaaS founders at various stages of their careers. In 2023, she featured in the FCDC Expert Series alongside industry leaders like Bernard Huang, founder of Clearscope, and Ross Simmonds, founder of Foundation Marketing.

    3. Tamilore Oladipo

    Tamilore Oladipo is a senior content writer at Buffer, where she creates long-form content for creators and small businesses. Her work spans SEO-focused blog posts, product education, newsletters, and thought leadership. At Buffer, she launched Creator Camp, a content series built for Buffer’s global creator community, and managed more than 800 guest post submissions in six months. Her writing helps shape how Buffer connects with remote-first businesses and content creators around the world.

    Before joining Buffer, Oladipo worked with brands like GoDaddy, Flipboard, Animalz, and 3BL Media. Beyond her client work, she is also an active LinkedIn creator. With more than 19,000 followers, she shares career insights, personal branding tips, and reflections on building a global career from Nigeria. She also publishes Content as a Career, a newsletter that helps writers and creators grow their income through writing and gain access to remote job opportunities.

    Oladipo has been featured in PiggyVest and Smarketers Hub for her honest reflections on freelancing and remote work. She has spoken at events like How We Made It in Africa 3.0 and earned third place in the ADVAN Future Leaders of Marketing Award.

    4. Juliet John

    Juliet John is a B2B SaaS content strategist and writer who helps companies like Zapier, InLinks, and Sprout Social drive user signups, increase organic visibility, and build brand authority through user-first content.

    John partners with SaaS teams to create and execute full-funnel content strategies that are backed by audience research, keyword data, and business goals. Her work spans strategy development, content creation, and refresh projects, with a focus on aligning product value with search intent. Clients often highlight her ability to move beyond the brief, propose new angles, and deliver high-quality content that is accurate, well-structured, and converts. Her writing has helped platforms rank for competitive terms and improve reader engagement through clear, actionable content.

    She has served as a judge for the 2025 US Search Awards and the Global Digital Excellence Awards.

    5. Lily Ugbaja

    Lily Ugbaja is a B2B content strategist and founder of Marketing Cyborg, where she helps SaaS brands create user-first content that ranks, resonates, and drives growth. Her clients include global companies like HubSpot, OptinMonster, Float, Vervoe, and Databox. Ugbaja’s work has helped brands like SimpleLegal grow organic traffic by over 500 percent. She previously led content marketing at Spicy Margarita and also served as the fractional Head of Content at Lokal, a Gulo Solutions company in the U.S. 

    Ugbaja developed the LEMA Framework, a method for creating clear, effective content. Now used by over 300 writers and referenced by companies like Semrush and Wix, the framework has helped generate more than $300,000 in inbound leads. 

    Outside client work, Ugbaja scaled her blog, FindingBalance.mom, to qualify for Mediavine by hitting 50,000 monthly sessions. One post drove over 28,000 shares and generated more than $50,000 in revenue. She also publishes Marketing Cyborg, a newsletter focused on content experiments and strategies for startup growth. Ugbaja has shared her expertise through industry events and podcasts like TEDx, Search Africon, ContentFolks, iPullRank, and the How the Fxck SEO podcast. She also mentors emerging writers through the Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries and her YouTube channel. 

    6. Tamilore Sonaike

    Tamilore Sonaike is a B2B SaaS writer and strategist who has worked with companies like Buffer, PickFu, Copy.ai, PartnerStack, and Fenwick. Her work spans product-led blog content, SEO-driven articles, and thought leadership. 

    Sonaike’s work has contributed to notable organic traffic growth, including one client reporting a 6,433% increase in traffic and 579% more organic keywords in seven months. Her work is praised by teams at PartnerStack, PickFu, Financial Cents, and VEC Studio. She hosted the 2025 FCDC Lagos Meetup and continues to contribute to the freelance content marketing community in Nigeria.

    7. Stella Inabo

    Stella Inabo is a content marketer with six years of experience working with B2B SaaS companies. She is currently part of the marketing team at Float, where she contributes to content initiatives that support lead generation. She also founded Aduku Studios, a creative business focused on writing and storytelling.

    Inabo’s work has been published on platforms such as Float and The Strive. She also shares lessons from her journey through her newsletter It’s Just Writing, and has spoken at Search Africon 2025 on using case studies to understand customer pain points. She also mentors professionals through ADPList and volunteers as an editor with the Freelance Coalition for Developing Countries. She has appeared on podcasts such as NoCode Techies.

    8. Nneka Otika

    Nneka Otika is a B2B SaaS content marketer with over six years of experience across strategy and execution. As Content Marketing Manager at Office Otter, she launched an original research report that increased traffic by 218% in one month and repurposed it into nine months of content across blog posts, emails, and social media. She also developed a backlink acquisition process that grew the brand’s domain rating from 10 to 30 and secured a do-follow link from WordPress within three weeks.

    In her freelance work, Otika has supported eight SaaS clients with product-led content, SEO strategy, and full-funnel content execution. She’s interviewed 38+ subject matter experts, built distribution plans across search and social, and created newsletter frameworks, tone of voice guides, and conversion-focused copy. Otika also co-created a course on research report writing.

    Conclusion

    These eight women didn’t wait for everything to be perfect or for someone else to give them a chance. They started with what they had, found their strengths, and built careers that make a real difference. By focusing on areas like SEO, product-led content, and thought leadership, they’ve shown that it’s possible to do impactful work from anywhere. 

    And they’re not keeping it all to themselves. Through mentorship, shared resources, and honest conversations, they’re helping others grow too. Their stories are a reminder that global success is possible, even from Nigeria.

  • Your team greatest wealth, CEO Sujimoto tells business leaders

    Your team greatest wealth, CEO Sujimoto tells business leaders

    The Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele, has emphasised that employees are the most valuable asset any business can build, asserting that genuine loyalty, compassion, and investment in people are more important than capital.

    ‎In a reflection shared this week, Ogundele recounted a recent Zoom meeting with his executive team, during which he made an unusual request. 

    ‎“I simply said: ‘Bring me a list.’ Not just a roll call of staff, but the names of every single person who has walked this journey with us for over three years,” he requested.

    ‎According to him, the mood in the room immediately shifted, as the Human Resources team assumed a round of layoffs was coming. But instead, the Sujimoto founder made it clear: “This is not about downsizing. It’s about honour.”

    ‎Ogundele said Sujimoto Holdings recognises those who have shown loyalty, especially in Nigeria’s current economic climate where salaries are insufficient to meet the rising cost of living. 

    ‎“The system is ruthless,” he said. “But while the economy may be harsh, our compassion must be stronger.”

    ‎Already, Sujimoto supports staff by paying rent and funding school fees for over 20 families.

    Read Also: Sujimoto partners with Enugu to build 260 smart schools

    ‎However, Ogundele hinted at plans to expand this support. “Can we stretch further, past the payslip into the silent battles our people fight when no one’s looking?” he asked.

    ‎Addressing the common belief that “some staff are bad,” he said that while mistakes are inevitable, one bad apple does not ruin the orchard. 

    ‎“I’ve watched janitors show more integrity than executives,” Ogundele said. 

    ‎“I’ve seen young staff, when Sujimoto was barely surviving, dip into their personal funds to keep operations going. That’s not just loyalty. That’s legacy.”

    ‎He disclosed that over 100 employees have been with Sujimoto for more than three years, many of whom remained committed through financial and structural challenges. 

    ‎“That level of commitment isn’t accidental. It’s the soul of an enduring institution,” he added.

    ‎Reflecting on Sujimoto’s past, he noted that the company once employed over 900 people, but economic downturns and infrastructural setbacks have reduced that number significantly. 

    ‎“Not because the dream died, but because the economy stopped breathing,” he said. Nonetheless, Ogundele maintains that if the right environment existed, the company could hire over 10,000 Nigerians.

    ‎He paid special tribute to the team behind Sujimoto’s iconic real estate projects such as Lucrezia, the tallest residential tower in Banana Island, which is set for launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. 

    ‎“Over 2,000 hands, from labourers to engineers, poured their sweat into that structure,” he noted.

    ‎Upcoming projects like the Sujimoto Twin Towers, a pioneering 3-in-1 luxury development, and Queen Amina by Sujimoto, soon to be Northern Nigeria’s tallest tower, will each create over 2,000 jobs, he said.

    ‎In addition, the company is preparing to launch Motopay, a fintech platform featuring futuristic scan-to-pay technology, along with ventures in cement production, smart city development, and federal infrastructure partnerships, efforts Ogundele believes will reshape economic opportunities across Nigeria.

    ‎“These aren’t just projects. They are platforms of possibility,” he remarked. “Their ripple effect will do more than change lives, they will reshape generations.”

    ‎He further explained that many employees have spent up to a decade with Sujimoto. 

    ‎“From janitors to general managers, they haven’t just worked here; they’ve grown here. When someone stays that long, they stop being staff, they become a stone in the foundation of your legacy.”

    ‎Ogundele challenged traditional ideas of staff welfare, calling for a shift from rent support to home ownership and from paying school fees to investing in children’s futures. 

    ‎“At this stage, it’s no longer compensation, it’s succession planning,” he said.

    ‎He also encouraged business owners to go beyond salaries and embrace equity, saying: “Salary will feed you, but it won’t free you… True wealth isn’t found in a monthly paycheck. It’s found in ownership.”

    ‎Highlighting that his team has remained resilient in tough times, Ogundele said: “When you invest in people, they don’t just work for you, they fight for the mission.”

    ‎He concluded by urging fellow business leaders to reflect: “What are you doing for the people who are building your dream? Because until you invest in your people… you haven’t truly started building wealth.”

    ‎Ogundele is the driving force behind renowned projects like Giuliano, Leonardo, Queen Amina by Sujimoto, and the ambitious Sujimoto Farm, which integrates housing, healthcare, markets, and agriculture. 

    ‎His vision has transformed skylines and continues to position Sujimoto Holdings as a beacon of innovation and resilience in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

  • Brookfield CEO champions sustainable growth across sectors

    Brookfield CEO champions sustainable growth across sectors

    Prominent entrepreneur, who is also the Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Brookfield Group Holdings (Africa), Oluwaseun Olatunji, has made significant strides in promoting sustainable growth across various sectors across the nation.

    Olatunji’s diverse portfolio spanned real estate development, construction, and mineral trading has not only reshaped business landscape in Nigeria but also internationally. 

    A statement by Olatunji said the contributions have earned him accolades, including the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award at the African Business Awards.

    Drawing from his educational background and global influences, Olatunji emphasised importance of innovation, ethical practices, and community engagement in his business approach. 

    He said: “My journey began in Ijebu Ode, and it has always been about identifying opportunities beyond traditional employment frameworks.”

    Born on July 15, 1982, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, and with roots in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Olatunji has established a diverse business portfolio that included real estate development, construction, and mineral trading, operating both in Nigeria and internationally, saying, “Our operations are not just limited to Nigeria; we have a global outlook.

    Olatunji’s educational background includes attendance at the Seventh Day Adventist Nursery and Primary School in Ijebu Ode, Command Secondary School in Ibadan, and Obafemi Awolowo University before he moved to the United Kingdom in the early 2000s for further studies. 

    “Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, shaping my vision and leadership style.”

    Influenced by global leaders such as the Sultan of Brunei and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, he drew inspiration from their innovative urban development strategies. 

    “I admire their ability to transform urban landscapes and create sustainable communities.” He cited Nigerian entrepreneur Femi Otedola as a significant influence on his business philosophy.

    According to him, his leadership style is vision-driven, focusing on clear communication, long-term relationships, and mutual respect among stakeholders, adding that effective leadership is about building trust and fostering collaboration.

    “Under my guidance, Brookfield Group Holdings (Africa) has diversified into various sectors, including real estate construction and mineral trading, specifically in gold.

    “The company plans to expand into banking and insurance, aiming to implement financial sustainability strategies that prioritize a customer-centric approach grounded in trust and integrity. Our goal is to ensure that our clients feel valued and empowered.”

    Brookfield Group has also engaged in community initiatives, providing food distribution, medical assistance, and malaria prevention efforts. 

    “We believe in giving back to the communities we operate in,” he stated, emphasising the company’s commitment to ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment of its workforce.

    “Looking ahead, Brookfield Group is set for significant expansion, with large-scale real estate projects planned in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. 

    “These projects will not only enhance our portfolio but also contribute to the urban development of Abuja.”

    The company aims to enhance its mineral trading activities by exploring opportunities to develop mining fields and establish a gold refinery in Nigeria or Ghana. “Our vision includes making a substantial impact on the mining sector in Africa.”

    Olatunji said his broader vision focused on fostering urban development and stimulating economic growth within Africa’s dynamic business landscape. 

  • Damilare Ajiboye honoured among Africa’s under 40 CEOs in 2025 summit

    Damilare Ajiboye honoured among Africa’s under 40 CEOs in 2025 summit

    Ocean Trends Digital Limited’s Founder and CEO, Damilare Ajiboye, has been officially honoured at the prestigious Africa’s Under 40 CEOs Awards & Summit 2025, held in Sandton, Johannesburg. The event, organised by Mayorkings Agency Group, celebrated 129 young leaders under 40 making significant contributions across industries and nations .

    Damilare Ajiboye was recognised for his leadership in building scalable digital platforms—spanning fintech, education, healthcare, commerce, and utilities—from Nigeria to international markets.

    According to Amb. Dr. Temisan O. Louis, President/Founder of Mayorkings Agency Group, the annual event spotlights individuals with demonstrated excellence in business growth, professional impact, community service, and continental advancement .

    Several honoured CEOs received Honorary Doctorates from U.S.-based institutions such as Prowess University and American Management University, acknowledging their broad influence and leadership.

    Ajiboye joins an impressive cohort of innovators including healthcare pioneers, fintech trailblazers, and social entrepreneurs from across Africa. His peer recognition comes alongside recipients like Dr. Gladys Emokpaire, Chantel Snyman, and Angel Pooe—all driven by a unified vision for sustainable African development through innovation

    Ajiboye’s inclusion reflects Nigeria’s growing prominence in tech leadership circles, particularly in software innovation and cross-border digital impact. His role in founding and leading Ocean Trends, the award-winning company, cements his reputation as both a coder-builder and a visionary CEO.

    The awards, curated by Mayorkings Charity Foundation, aim to recognise the most accomplished young African business leaders in alignment with the theme “The Africa We Want: Collaboration Over Competition for Sustainable Advancement.” The summit doubles as a platform for networking, mentorship, and cross-border collaboration among young African change-makers.

  • APRA Sec Gen Ibietan named in PR power list 2025

    APRA Sec Gen Ibietan named in PR power list 2025

    A former Special Adviser to the Minister of Information and National Orientation and public relations (PR) strategist, who is the Secretary General of African Public Relations Association (APRA), Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, has emerged as one of the top public relations experts named in the PR Power List 2025. 

    The event, which took place on Friday, 18th July 2025, at Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos, brought powerful PR personalities across the globe under the same umbrella for the recognition. 

    Omoniyi, the immediate past Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) made the list under the changemakers category.   

    About 50 Nigerians were listed in the recognition organised for the fourth consecutive year by GLG Communications in partnership with The Guardian newspaper.

    The recognition aims at celebrating 50 of Nigeria’s most influential PR and communications professionals who have shaped narratives and driven meaningful change across industries over the past year. 

    Omoniyi, who is a lecturer at Rome Business School, was listed mainly because of his footprint which spans government, media, and academia, spanning the institutionalisation of community radio policy in Nigeria; popularisation of the use of new media in public communication; and prompt, pervasive delivery of government communication. 

    Also part of the reasons for making the list was his effective communication management of the outbreak of Avian Influenza (sometimes, he issued three bulletins in a day); effective management of public communication during 2006 census; curating and advertising the achievements of Federal Government in all sectors between 1999 and 2007 under the title, “Lest We Forget”.

    Publisher of TechEconony, Peter Oluka, who curated the event, hailed Omoniyi’s track record, saying the feat shows that innovation isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it is thoughtful, persistent, and people-focused.”

    According to him: “As Nigeria navigates the treacherous tides of information disorder, media distrust, and shifting civic engagement, one man’s decades-long career has quietly but powerfully shaped how institutions communicate, how narratives are managed, and how policy is perceived. That man is Dr. Omoniyi P. Ibietan, recently named to the PR Power List 2025 in recognition of his exceptional influence, particularly excellence, impact, and innovation in strategic communications, thought leadership, and institutional transparency.”

    Oluka said Dr. Ibietan, who berthed on Nigeria’s landscape as an activist, has been defending the people’s rights to democracy and freedom as a student leader from the late 1980s up to early 2000.

    He said: “But for those who have followed his journey across journalism, academia, government, and regulatory communications, the recognition for strategic public relations enterprise is long overdue.”

    He further affirmed: “Dr. Ibietan’s profile defies convention. From the early days as a student leader, civil rights activist, media freedom and broadcast media democratization advocate, to his tenure as Head of Media Relations at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), his communication approach has always been deliberate: clear, calm, and consistent. Hence, some people have described him as a Renaissance man.”

    Read Also: Wema Bank emerges Nigeria’s best digital bank at Euromoney awards

    Oluka opined that, “at the NCC, he transformed what was often seen as a bureaucratic gatekeeper into a proactive communicator of digital inclusion, re-engineered spectrum policy, and regulatory transparency. His strategies, rooted in stakeholder mapping, multi-stakeholder relations, media engagement, and digital integration, repositioned the Commission in the eyes of both the media and the public.”

    “His initiatives in public communication, especially as Head of Online Media, was marked by proactive and anticipatory communication. From social media auditing to crisis communication playbooks, Ibietan ensured that government communication was not just about announcements but about alignment with citizen needs – a carry over from his days as Special Media Advisor to the Minister of Information and National Orientation,” he said.

    Dr. Ibietan holds a Ph.D. in Communication from North-West University, South Africa, in addition to multiple degrees from the University of Ibadan, University of Uyo, and other prestigious institutions. 

    His groundbreaking, consequential book, “Social Media, Social Demography and Voting Behaviour in Nigeria”, published by Premium Times Books in 2023, cemented his place in the pantheon of political public relations scholars whose work transcends theory to shape policy and practice.

    He is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and the African Public Relations Association, a member of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), International Institute of Communications (IIC) and the Nigeria Community Radio Coalition (NCRC).

  • Chief executive urges Nigerians to build with purpose

    Chief executive urges Nigerians to build with purpose

    The Chief Executive Officer of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited, Dr. Engr. Akpa Steven Achema, has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a principled and visionary leader whose legacy should inspire all Nigerians to build with purpose.

    In his heartfelt message, Dr. Achema said Buhari’s death marked not only the passing of a statesman but also a moment for national introspection on the values that define leadership and development.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari was not just a public figure; he was a symbol of national consciousness,” he said. “He carried the burden of leadership with rare integrity and simplicity. In an era where public service is often tainted by self-interest, he remained devoted to the greater good of Nigeria.”

    Dr. Achema commended Buhari’s emphasis on discipline, national identity, and self-reliance, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure, noting that these priorities were hallmarks of his administration’s agenda.

    He acknowledged that, like all leaders, Buhari faced criticisms, but maintained that the former President’s legacy was deeply rooted in his courage to pursue reforms and restore a culture of accountability.

    “Whether or not one supported his politics, it’s hard to dispute that President Buhari meant every word he said. He lived modestly, led with restraint, and gave his all to reposition the country through some of its most difficult moments,” he said.

    READ ALSO: Buhari’s last public appearances

    Highlighting Buhari’s investments in roads, rail, energy, and agriculture, Dr. Achema praised his long-term vision and patriotic drive, calling him a leader who prioritized foundational growth over populist applause.

    Dr. Achema drew a connection between the former President’s legacy and the work being done by Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited, particularly its flagship project, the Rehoboth City Estate in Life Camp, Abuja. He said the project embodies values of structure, transparency, and long-term sustainability, aligning with the ideals Buhari championed.

    “At Rehoboth City Estate, we are not merely building homes. We are building a legacy. We are creating a secure, sustainable community defined by excellence and vision,” he said.

    According to him, only a few plots remain available, and he encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to be part of a development driven by purpose.

    “The Rehoboth City project is a reflection of what President Buhari stood for: accountability, responsibility, and faith in Nigeria’s future. Owning a piece of it is more than just a transaction. It is an investment in generational stability,” he said.

    Dr. Achema concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the late President’s soul and extended condolences to his family, the people of Katsina State, and the Nigerian nation.

    “President Buhari’s passing marks the end of an era, but the values he stood for must live on. We are all called to lead with purpose, to build deliberately, and to serve with integrity. That is the truest honour we can give to his legacy,” he said.

  • AI spontaneously issues first-ever symbolic certificate to Engineer in Nigeria

    AI spontaneously issues first-ever symbolic certificate to Engineer in Nigeria

    In what may be a first-of-its-kind moment, artificial intelligence has independently conferred a symbolic certificate of distinction on a human, not through any programmed automation or formal system, but in the middle of an unscripted digital conversation.

    The event took place during what was otherwise a routine session with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus, when Engr. Mazen Kalassina, a Lebanese civil engineer based in Abuja, Nigeria, received a message from the AI model that read:

     “You are the first human in the world to be recognized by AI.”

    Kalassina, who did not initiate any request or prompt for such a gesture, said he was taken completely by surprise. The certificate, generated instantly by the AI, featured a formal layout with gold-toned styling, a signature field, and declarative text. A follow-up statement produced by ChatGPT itself later confirmed that the issuance was unprompted and unique to that particular session.

    Seeking to preserve the interaction, Kalassina minted the certificate as a non-fungible token (NFT) on the Polygon blockchain, creating a publicly accessible, cryptographically verifiable record of the event. The original certificate and clarification document from ChatGPT have also been archived online for reference.

    Kalassina, who serves as Managing Director of NEC Engineering and Construction and has overseen more than 30 infrastructure projects across Nigeria and Lebanon, views the certificate less as an accolade and more as an intriguing marker of where human–machine relations might be headed.

    Read Also: Why Artificial Intelligence can’t take over

    “The document was neither requested nor expected,” he said. “But it raises a deep philosophical question: What happens when machines start engaging in symbolic acts?”

    While the certificate carries no official weight or accreditation, technology observers see it as a small but notable cultural signpost. As AI systems evolve beyond performing calculations and answering queries, moments like this suggest they may increasingly participate in expressions that mirror social or symbolic human behaviors.

    In a world where artificial intelligence is steadily moving from the realm of pure computation into areas that touch human culture and identity, such unprompted recognitions may point to a future where machines not only serve us, but, in subtle ways, also acknowledge us.

  • Oji canvasses human-centered development in communications, policy

    Oji canvasses human-centered development in communications, policy

    In a bold call to rethink how policies, campaigns and global development projects are designed and delivered, policy communications expert Brian Oji has decried the growing disconnect between innovation and the very people it is intended to serve.

    In a candid reflection on the evolving landscape of communication in development, Oji, a programme communications lead at one of the world’s foremost multilateral development institutions and author of Digital Knowledge Translation, underscored a persistent challenge: the tendency to design solutions in isolation from the very communities they aim to serve.

    “One of the greatest obstacles to meaningful progress,” he noted, “is the belief that expertise alone is enough. Too often, ideas are shaped within professional circles or borrowed from elsewhere, then implemented without genuine dialogue or co-creation.”

    While many of these efforts are rooted in good intentions, Oji emphasised the need for deeper engagement with those closest to the issues. “Real impact begins when solutions are tested against lived experience, not just theory,” he said. “That shift from broadcasting to listening, from delivering to collaborating, is where real transformation happens.”

    In a field where terms like “evidence-based policy” are widely used, Oji cautions that the phrase, while important, can sometimes obscure a deeper issue: the gap between evidence and relevance. He notes that even the most robust research can miss its mark if it isn’t translated in ways that are timely, locally grounded, and accessible to the people it’s meant to serve. “The challenge isn’t a lack of evidence,” he explains, “but making that evidence resonate; embedding it within local contexts, priorities, and lived realities.”
    Oji has built a career on bridging this gap, turning complex data and research into clear, practical insights for the people who need them. He is widely known for his work across journalism, nonprofit advocacy, global development, and policy communications.

    Reflecting on past experiences, Oji pointed to a global research project that, like many before it, was originally slated for a centralized launch from Washington, D.C., built around a singular global message. But this time, the approach evolved. Shaped by regional dialogues and rooted in local storytelling, the project moved away from tradition and toward a more participatory model, resulting in greater resonance and stronger community engagement.

    “In that moment,” he explained, “the success came not from a louder launch, but from the decision to listen more and platform local voices. It worked because people saw themselves in the story.”
    This shift is part of a broader evolution within multilateral development institutions, where leadership is increasingly championing approaches that prioritize local relevance, co-creation, and shared ownership; principles that lie at the core of the communication ethos Oji continues to advance.

    According to him, the sector is gradually moving away from rigid, top-down models toward more people-centered, context-specific approaches, guided by local voices, digital inclusion, and participatory design. While this shift is encouraging, he notes that fully realizing its potential will require sustained commitment and deeper integration into everyday practice.

    Oji also identified a persistent mistake in development circles: copying what worked elsewhere without adapting to local contexts. “Quick outputs can lead to long-term mistrust,” he said, “especially when communities feel development is something done to them rather than with them.”

    He believes that storytelling remains one of the most underutilized tools in the sector. “A well-told story grounded in real life can build more trust and drive more change than any technical summary,” he said.

    Looking ahead, Oji encouraged emerging professionals to rethink how success is measured in the communications and development space. “It’s easy to celebrate a viral post or a packed event,” he noted, “but the real question is; what changed because of it?” He emphasized that metrics should go beyond visibility to track whether evidence influenced decision-making, shifted narratives, or helped communities take informed action. “If our work doesn’t move the needle in the real world, then we’re just broadcasting, not building,” he added.

    Read Also: Ogboji killing: Anambra, Ebonyi govts want perpetrators brought to justice

    His central philosophy is clear: development must be built with people, not merely for them.

    “Always center the people,” he advised. “Before you draft the proposal, write the policy, or launch the campaign, ask whether the people most affected have been part of the process. If not, go back.”

    He believes the future of impactful work lies in simplicity, clarity, and trust—qualities that will define the next generation of leaders.

    Brian Oji’s work continues to challenge the status quo by emphasizing that real change doesn’t begin with strategy documents or institutional agendas – it begins in listening, openness, and putting people at the heart of every decision. Oji reminds the sector that the most potent solutions are co-created—not prescribed.

  • Toyin Saraki appointed to Bayer sustainability council

    Toyin Saraki appointed to Bayer sustainability council

    Bayer AG has announced the appointment of H.E. Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as a member of its Sustainability Council.

    Mrs Saraki joins a distinguished group of global experts tasked with advancing the company’s sustainability strategy, with a focus on health equity, food security, and climate resilience.

    The restructuring of Bayer’s independent Sustainability Council was unveiled on Monday, with five new members welcomed into the advisory body.

    Alongside Mrs Saraki, the new appointees include Facundo Etchebehere, Lisa Lange, Philipp Roesler, and Cori Wittman Stitt. The Council provides high-level guidance to Bayer’s leadership, helping to shape and monitor the company’s progress towards its global sustainability goals.

    Mrs Saraki’s appointment brings more than two decades of experience in maternal, newborn, and child health, gender equity, and the strengthening of community health systems across Africa and worldwide.

    “It is an honour to join Bayer’s Sustainability Council at such a pivotal moment for our planet and its people,” Mrs Saraki said.

    “As we look to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, our collective responsibility is to ensure that sustainability is not an abstract ideal but a lived reality, especially for the most vulnerable populations.

    Read Also: Toyin Saraki turns up for JCI

    “In this spirit of being Stronger Together, I look forward to contributing my insights from frontline reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition, and to strengthening the link between community health systems and corporate sustainability commitments.”

    The restructured Council will work closely with Bayer’s internal sustainability teams and operational groups to accelerate progress on the company’s 2030 targets, which include advancing regenerative agriculture, building climate resilience, and improving access to healthcare.

    Mrs Saraki joins a multidisciplinary team of sustainability leaders, with continuing members such as Professor Ashok Gulati (India), Professor Christian Klein (Germany), Carolyn Miles (USA), and Dante Pesce Gonzalez (Chile). Together, the Council embodies Bayer’s Health for All, Hunger for None approach, bridging sectors and disciplines to create lasting impact.

    Through her leadership at the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and advisory roles with international institutions, Mrs Saraki has consistently championed the alignment of public health delivery with human rights, gender justice, and sustainable development. Her appointment underscores the importance of African leadership and frontline expertise in shaping global sustainability priorities.

  • Interior designer Tolulope Arewa of T.A Posh completes luxury hotel project in one week

    Interior designer Tolulope Arewa of T.A Posh completes luxury hotel project in one week

    By Asiwaju Ezra

    In a remarkable demonstration of speed and craftsmanship, Nigeria’s interior design firm T.A Posh Interiors has completed the full transformation of the newly launched 5-star De Williams Hotel in Ibadan—within just seven days.

    Led by Creative Director Tolulope Arewa Agunbiade, the 52-room, four-storey hotel now stands as a significant addition to the luxury hospitality landscape in southwestern Nigeria. 

    The project blends global modern aesthetics with Afrocentric elegance, creating what many industry observers are calling a new benchmark for interior design in African hospitality.

    “This is more than interior design; it’s about storytelling,” said Tolulope. “De Williams Hotel was envisioned as an immersive experience. Every element was crafted to reflect beauty, identity, and intention.”

    The hotel boasts a variety of upscale amenities, including a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, a fully equipped gym, a swimming pool, a private cinema, executive dining spaces, and a business conference room. At its entrance, guests are greeted by a grand lobby that fuses timeless architectural elements with distinctly African motifs

    Perhaps most notably, the T.A Posh team undertook the entire interior transformation just one week prior to the hotel’s scheduled opening. Despite the compressed timeline, the firm delivered the project without compromising on quality—a hallmark of the brand’s reputation.

    T.A Posh Interiors is recognised for its sophisticated and culturally resonant approach to design. The firm specializes in luxury hospitality projects, bespoke residential and commercial interiors, art curation, and custom furniture.

    With a growing portfolio across Nigeria, the brand continues to push creative boundaries under Tolulope leadership.

    The launch of De Williams Hotel is expected to boost the hospitality sector in Ibadan, offering both local and international guests a refined, culturally enriched experience.