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WARDC Launches National SRHR Hub to Empower Adolescent Girls and Young Women

Tukur John
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WARDC Launches National SRHR Hub to Empower Adolescent Girls and Young Women

In a landmark step toward advancing sexual and reproductive health education for girls and women, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in partnership with the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), has launched the National SRHR Hub for Adolescent Girls and Women (AGW).

Dubbed SRHR Naija Hub, the initiative is a comprehensive safe space designed to provide accessible information, resources, and support to strengthen understanding of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among adolescent girls and women across Nigeria. The launch event featured an interactive demonstration of the web-based platform, with participants, including persons living with disabilities, engaging in discussions about the challenges and solutions facing girls and women in their communities.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode, Acting Executive Director of WARDC, described the hub as a strategically designed safe space developed in close collaboration with youth advocates, health professionals, and community stakeholders.

“The SRHR Naija Hub is a movement to empower young women and girls, providing them with access to accurate SRHR information, services, and leadership opportunities. This initiative is not only about physical access; it represents dignity, autonomy, and informed choice. For WARDC, it is an investment in the next generation of feminist leaders.”

The platform offers peer-led education, digital resources, legal support, and referral pathways to SRHR services, ensuring that adolescent girls and women can safely navigate questions and challenges related to their sexual and reproductive health. The hub also seeks to foster leadership and mentorship opportunities, enabling young women to support one another through shared experiences.

During the event, participants highlighted the pressing need for accurate information in the digital age. Kehinde Oyagha, a Social Work student at the University of Lagos, noted:

“Many girls, especially preteens, are naturally curious, but often turn to the internet for answers and end up accessing wrong or harmful information about their bodies. This gap can lead to digital abuse and misinformation about reproductive health. Creating a space where girls can learn from each other’s experiences, almost like a mini mentorship programme, is crucial.”

Oyagha emphasized the importance of leveraging social media and influencer culture to normalize conversations about SRHR topics such as consent, contraception, and general health. She also called for a multidisciplinary approach, involving health professionals, psychologists, and government collaboration, with local governments endorsing youth-friendly centers so adolescents know where to access help safely.

The SRHR Naija Hub is poised to become a transformative platform for Nigerian girls and women, combining education, advocacy, and mentorship to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to make informed decisions about their bodies, health, and futures. Through this initiative, WARDC continues to champion equity, empowerment, and reproductive justice for the next generation of Nigerian women.

Africa’s digital economy projected to reach $1.5tr by 2030

⁠⁠Blessing Adeolu
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Africa’s digital economy projected to reach $1.5tr by 2030

Africa’s rapidly expanding digital economy is projected to hit $1.5 trillion by 2030. This projection was revealed at the Mastercard Africa Edge Summit, which convened leaders from across the continent’s payments ecosystem to explore how collaboration and innovation can accelerate digital transformation.

The summit focused on strengthening infrastructure, building trust, and promoting interoperability to support Africa’s digital growth and create new opportunities for consumers and small businesses.

Hosted by Mastercard’s Division President for Africa, Mark Elliott, the event brought together senior representatives from banks, fintech companies, telecommunications firms, regulators, and technology partners.

Elliott said the initiative underscored Mastercard’s long-term commitment to Africa’s economic transformation.

“Africa Edge is about collaboration and supporting partners across the ecosystem to deliver secure, seamless, and accessible digital experiences that help people and businesses grow. “Africa Edge is about collaboration and supporting partners across the ecosystem to deliver secure, seamless, and accessible digital experiences that help people and businesses grow. Mastercard President for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APEMEA), Ling Hai, said faster payments were essential for helping small businesses manage cash flow and grow.

He stressed that Africa’s digital future depends on simple, safe, and accessible payment solutions that function seamlessly across markets and devices, calling for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Futurist John Sanei, who delivered the keynote address, discussed how human adaptability and emotional intelligence will shape leadership success in an AI-driven future.

A special session with Smile ID focused on tackling the rising threat of synthetic identities and deepfakes, showcasing how Mastercard and Smile ID are using AI-powered verification tools to enhance digital onboarding and prevent fraud across African markets.

Also speaking, Mastercard’s Country Manager for West Africa, Folasade Femi-Lawal, noted that the region remains a powerhouse for fintech innovation. “West Africa is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech sectors. Nigeria alone accounted for 28 percent of all African fintech companies in 2024, attracting nearly $400 million in investment,” she said.
“By combining global technology with local insight, we are helping banks, fintechs, and innovators build open, trusted, and scalable infrastructure. Our collaborations with governments and financial institutions are making digital payments simpler and safer for millions, proving that inclusion and innovation can advance together,” she added.

During the event, Mastercard showcased two breakthrough innovations shaping the future of digital commerce. The first-ever Agent Pay transaction in the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) region was executed live, marking a major milestone toward autonomous and secure payment experiences.

The company also unveiled the Merchant Cloud, a unified platform integrating payments, AI, and security to help merchants grow their businesses confidently across both online and offline channels.

Both innovations underscore Mastercard’s commitment to building intelligent, inclusive, and resilient payment ecosystems that will power Africa’s digital transformation in the coming decade.

Muazu Africa Host Social Enterprise World Forum in Nigeria, Launch Rural Inclusion Fund, and Send 40 Indigent Youths to College

Chinansa Agwu
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Muazu Africa Host Social Enterprise World Forum in Nigeria, Launch Rural Inclusion Fund, and Send 40 Indigent Youths to College

Muazu Africa, led by Tolulope Makinwa, hosted the Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Community Hub in Lagos under the theme “Strengthening Rural Enterprises Across Africa’s Value Chains.”
The hub, co-hosted by Xchange Box Solutions, spotlighted the contributions of rural innovators and their role in Africa’s $2 trillion social and solidarity economy.

The Lagos Hub explored a pressing question: “When a rural enterprise succeeds, does its community prosper too?”a theme that underscored the disconnect between rural innovation and national inclusion frameworks.

Held concurrently with SEWF 2025 in Taipei, Taiwan, the Lagos Hub convened ecosystem leaders, funders, policymakers, and rural innovators to discuss pathways for visibility, policy recognition, and catalytic financing for rural social enterprises.

Key speakers included Moyo Odejide, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Xchange Box; Seyi Tytler, Founder of Emerging Communities Africa; and Tolulope Makinwa, Executive Director of Muazu Africa.
Their discussions centered on how infrastructure, access, and enterprise inclusion can drive shared prosperity and economic resilience across rural communities.

During the event, Muazu Africa unveiled its forthcoming “Rural Deficit Report,” a policy paper mapping how rural social enterprises power Africa’s value chains but remain undercounted and underfunded. The organization also announced plans to establish a Rural Inclusion Fund, a catalytic financing mechanism aimed at channeling investment into last-mile economies.

Preliminary findings from the Rural Deficit Report reveal that while more than 443,000 social enterprises operate in Nigeria, 46% are concentrated in urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Rivers State. Rural enterprises, critical drivers of agriculture, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing, remain largely undocumented and underfunded.

Expected for release in 2026, the report aims to establish a framework for policy inclusion, equitable financing, and enterprise recognition. Insights from the report will inform the creation of the Rural Inclusion Fund, designed to pool catalytic capital from development partners and private investors to strengthen innovation and market access for rural entrepreneurs.

As part of its broader inclusion mission, Muazu Africa, in partnership with the Make Mee Elegant Foundation (MMEF), also announced full-tuition scholarships for 40 indigent youths to study at the College of Health Management and Technology, Ibadan.
The initiative directly addresses the “rural deficit” by improving access to education, one of the most critical levers of inclusion and social mobility.

“If we’re serious about changing the rural story, education and infrastructure must come first,” said Tolulope Makinwa. “That’s how you disrupt systems that keep people invisible.”

The 2025 SEWF Lagos Hub was supported by ecosystem partners including Herlign Wellness Studio, and featured participation from community-based social enterprises and policy contributors from Nigeria, Uganda, and Egypt.

Reflecting on the impact of the event, Makinwa added:

“For too long, rural social enterprises have powered Africa’s value chains without visibility. The Rural Deficit Report and the Inclusion Fund are our way of ensuring that those who create value also share in the prosperity it generates.”

About Muazu Africa

Muazu Africa is an ecosystem-building organization advancing inclusive growth through social enterprise. Its mission is to connect high-potential but under-resourced social enterprises to capital, markets, enabling policies, and communities—with a vision to mainstream social enterprise within Africa’s economic systems.

Women Experience Deep Healing and Divine Renewal at Unfettered Conference 4.0 in Abuja

Karen Olumide
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Women Experience Deep Healing and Divine Renewal at Unfettered Conference 4.0 in Abuja

The city of Abuja came alive on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as women from across Nigeria gathered for the fourth edition of the Unfettered Conference, themed “Healing Waters.” Convened by Eniola Peters, Founder of The Chayil Lady Ministry, the annual gathering once again served as a sacred space for women seeking spiritual renewal, emotional healing, and personal transformation.

Held at Gateway International Church, Wuse 2, Abuja, Unfettered Conference 4.0 attracted hundreds of women from diverse walks of life, all united by a shared desire to be liberated from past limitations and restored to wholeness. The event featured a rich lineup of keynote addresses, panel conversations, worship sessions, and intimate moments of reflection that left attendees visibly transformed.

In her opening address, Eniola Peters reaffirmed the vision behind the Unfettered movement — to empower women to rise above emotional, spiritual, and mental constraints.

“The Unfettered Conference is not just another gathering,” she said. “It is a call to freedom. Every woman deserves to live healed, whole, and unhindered. This is our mission.”

The conference hosted a distinguished list of speakers, including Pastor Ifejola Opara, Lead Pastor of The Fort Church Abuja; Pastor Ibinye Segun-Agoye, Resident Pastor of When Women Pray International; Onosioze Uduje, Convener and Founder of Godled Business Movement; and Adenike Awe, Founder of The Complete Woman Network.

The highlight of the day was an inspiring panel moderated by Raquel Kasham Daniel, exploring the theme “Liberation and Unfettered Restoration.”

Pastor Ifejola Opara delivered a powerful message on the importance of vulnerability in the healing process.

“A wound that is hidden cannot be healed,” she said, urging women to allow God to touch the parts of their lives they’ve kept covered for too long.

Her session was tender, relatable, and deeply moving — a reminder that restoration begins when we lay our pain before God’s love.

Onosioze Uduje led the women into an atmosphere of worship and surrender, marked by prophetic insight and divine direction. Her ministration carried a tangible sense of God’s presence. Through her words and worship, women were ushered into moments of release, renewal, and reverence — truly experiencing the “Healing Waters” the conference represented.

These moments captured the essence of Unfettered 4.0 — a space where hearts are laid bare, burdens are lifted, and women find freedom in God’s restoring love.

Panelists such as Toyin Falaiye, Founder of Jewels Hive Initiative; Apostle Jennifer Mike-Alicha, Founder of Abiding Ladies Fellowship; and Diwang Jirai, an Advocacy and Community Development Expert, shared deeply personal stories of pain, resilience, and breakthrough, encouraging women to release their pasts and embrace God’s restoring power.

Toyin Falaiye reminded women that healing begins with humility and surrender.

“Pain is prideful. To truly heal, you must let go of the burden of guilt and the need to appear strong,” she said, as participants nodded in reflection.

Her words underscored the courage it takes to confront one’s pain in the light of God’s love.
Apostle Jennifer Mike-Alicha also urged women to depend more on God’s strength, reminding them that true restoration begins when trust is rooted in Christ.

Throughout the day, attendees participated in transformative sessions centered on emotional restoration, spiritual intimacy, forgiveness, self-discovery, and freedom from fear and trauma. The atmosphere was electric with faith, authenticity, and sisterhood as women lifted one another in prayer and shared testimonies of healing.

“Unfettered 4.0 has reminded us that healing is possible and restoration is within reach,” said one participant. “I’m leaving here lighter, stronger, and ready to live fully.”

Since its inception, the Unfettered Conference has grown into a nationwide movement — a safe space for women to heal, rediscover their identity, and embrace their God-given purpose. Through heartfelt worship, authentic storytelling, and community, the conference continues to champion freedom, faith, and wholeness.

Expressing gratitude to all the speakers, volunteers, and participants, Eniola Peters noted that preparations are already underway for Unfettered 5.0, promising an even greater outpouring of grace, healing, and impact in 2026.

About the Unfettered Conference
The Unfettered Conference is an annual women’s empowerment and healing gathering founded by Eniola Peters under The Chayil Lady Ministry. The conference provides a platform for women to experience emotional, spiritual, and mental restoration through worship, teaching, and authentic connection. Now in its fourth edition, Unfettered continues to impact lives and build a community of healed, whole, and purpose-driven women.

HYT Consulting Launches 2025 Employability Bootcamp to Empower Next-Generation Workforce

Karen Olumide
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HYT Consulting Launches 2025 Employability Bootcamp to Empower Next-Generation Workforce

HYT Consulting, a trailblazer in human capital development with operations in Nigeria and Ghana, has announced the commencement of the 2025 edition of its flagship Employability Bootcamp, set to run from November 3 to 7, 2025, in Lagos.

The five-day immersive programme is designed to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges — the gap between academic qualifications and real-world job readiness. This year’s edition zeroes in on equipping young graduates with industry-relevant technical and soft skills, particularly for the financial services and software-as-a-service (SaaS) industries—two rapidly expanding sectors that continue to redefine the nation’s economic landscape.

Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural edition in July, the 2025 bootcamp is expected to attract over 300 graduates from across Nigeria. The programme follows a comprehensive career development model, combining pre-screening assessments, classroom learning, mock interviews, practical simulations, and post-training placements with partner organisations. Beyond the classroom, participants will also receive mentorship, employability coaching, and performance tracking to ensure long-term professional growth and measurable impact.

Speaking about the initiative, Folusho Odegbaike, Chief Executive Officer of HYT Consulting, described the bootcamp as a direct response to the skills and employability deficit limiting young Nigerians from fully participating in today’s competitive labour market.

“At HYT Consulting, we believe that talent is the new currency of competitiveness,” Odegbaike stated. “Our Employability Bootcamp was created to close the gap between potential and opportunity—transforming graduates into workplace-ready professionals that organisations can immediately depend on.”

The 2025 edition is strategically supported by Private Networks Nigeria Limited (PNN), a pan-African technology solutions provider with more than three decades of expertise spanning communications, power infrastructure, and renewable energy. Through its Business Incubation and SaaS divisions, PNN continues to champion initiatives that enhance Africa’s human capital ecosystem—reinforcing the pivotal role of private-sector partnerships in driving sustainable employability outcomes.

Reflecting on the programme’s proven success, Odegbaike highlighted the measurable achievements from the first edition, noting that 52 percent of participants secured employment within two months, while 17 percent were engaged in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at the time.

“These numbers speak to the power of intentional design and structured training,” he added. “When private organisations commit to building human capacity through practical and data-driven models, we see real transformation—young Nigerians becoming not just job seekers, but value creators.”

Since its inception, HYT Consulting has earned a strong reputation for excellence in workforce transformation and human capital advancement, offering bespoke solutions that align education, employability, and enterprise. Through targeted interventions like the Employability Bootcamp, the firm continues to play a leading role in bridging Nigeria’s growing skills gap, ensuring that the country’s youth are equipped to meet both local and global workforce demands.

As the 2025 Bootcamp kicks off, HYT Consulting reaffirms its mission to empower the next generation of leaders, foster inclusive economic growth, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a hub of talent and innovation in Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.

Former Beauty Queen Tomi Salami Partners with LASEPA to Inspire Youth-Led Environmental Action

Karen Olumide
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Former Beauty Queen Tomi Salami Partners with LASEPA to Inspire Youth-Led Environmental Action

Former beauty queen turned humanitarian, Ambassador Tomi Lydia Salami, is championing a new generation of environmentally conscious young Nigerians through her organization, Aurora International Charity Foundation (AICF). In partnership with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), AICF will host the 2nd edition of the Catch Them Young Environmental Awareness Convention on Tuesday, November 11, in Lagos.

With the theme “Our Lagos, Our Future: Inspiring Young Minds for Sustainable Change,” the convention aims to empower over 1,500 students from Lagos State public secondary schools, alongside teachers, eco-advocates, youth leaders, celebrities, policymakers, and sustainability experts. The event is designed to deepen environmental consciousness among young people, fostering leadership, innovation, and collective responsibility toward creating a cleaner, greener Lagos.

According to Ambassador Tomi Salami, who serves as the President of Aurora International Charity Foundation and Convener of the Convention, the initiative is “a bold call to action for young people to take ownership of their environment.” She emphasized that as Lagos continues to expand and experience increasing environmental strain, the time to cultivate responsible, informed, and proactive citizens is now.

“Lagos is not just a place we live in—it’s a legacy we are all responsible for,” she said. “If we truly want to protect our future, we must start by educating and empowering those who will inherit it. This initiative focuses on equipping students with the knowledge, creativity, and civic responsibility to safeguard our environment.”

This year’s convention promises an engaging lineup of activities including keynote sessions, eco-challenges, panel discussions, awards, and interactive climate education engagements. Participants will also enjoy storytelling sessions from environmental role models and innovators driving sustainable impact across Nigeria. Through these interactive segments, students will gain practical knowledge on waste management, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and eco-friendly living practices.

Ambassador Salami noted that the event is more than just an educational exercise, it’s a platform for nurturing the next generation of eco-leaders who can influence policy, design sustainable business models, and lead community-based environmental projects. “By investing in young minds, we are not only shaping tomorrow’s environmental leaders but also instilling values that promote civic responsibility and collective action,” she added.

A graduate of English from the University of Ilorin, Salami later pursued Fashion and Event Planning in New York. Her journey from pageantry to philanthropy began after being crowned MBGN Face of Select Pro (2012) and Miss Tourism Nigeria, where she represented Nigeria internationally in Thailand. Beyond her beauty queen titles, she has distinguished herself as a social entrepreneur, environmental advocate, and youth mentor.

In 2013, she launched the Kits for Kids Initiative, providing essential learning materials, such as school bags, books, sandals, lunch boxes, and stationery, to children from low-income backgrounds. Since then, her foundation has broadened its reach, carrying out impactful projects across Nigeria in the areas of education, environmental sustainability, women and youth empowerment, and public health.

Through the Aurora International Charity Foundation, Salami has successfully impacted over 30,000 individuals, driving awareness on clean energy, climate action, and environmental protection. Her tireless advocacy for sustainability continues to attract partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and private sector leaders committed to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

This year’s convention builds upon the success of the 2024 debut edition, which convened nearly 1,000 students in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. The maiden edition received widespread commendation for mobilizing youth participation in sustainability efforts, and the 2025 event seeks to amplify that impact, expanding reach, engagement, and long-term environmental commitment among Lagos students.

By strengthening the link between education and environmental responsibility, Tomi Salami and AICF are helping to lay the foundation for a more informed, conscious, and active generation, one determined to ensure that Lagos remains not just a city of dreams, but a model for sustainable urban living in Africa.

Wild Fusion Digital Centre Introduces Certified Ethical Hacking Course to Strengthen Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Workforce

Tukur John
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Wild Fusion Digital Centre Introduces Certified Ethical Hacking Course to Strengthen Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Workforce

Wild Fusion Digital Centre (WDC), a pioneer in practical tech and digital marketing education in Nigeria, has unveiled its new Cybersecurity: Ethical Hacking course, aimed at building the next generation of cybersecurity experts and closing the nation’s growing digital security talent gap.

Empowering Nigeria’s Cyber Defenders

As businesses, governments, and institutions embrace digital transformation, the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks continue to rise. Nigeria, like many nations across Africa, faces a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals capable of protecting its digital infrastructure.

WDC’s new course provides in-depth, practical training that equips learners with the technical skills and professional certifications needed to meet this urgent demand. Delivered in Lagos, the program offers hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world cybersecurity challenges, ensuring participants are ready to defend, respond, and innovate in today’s threat landscape.

Global Recognition Through EC-Council Partnership

The new course is made possible through a landmark partnership with EC-Council, a world leader in cybersecurity certifications and creator of the globally acclaimed Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) program.

This collaboration gives Nigerian students and corporate teams direct access to globally recognized certifications locally, helping them build international-standard expertise without leaving the country.

Among the certifications offered through WDC’s cybersecurity portfolio are:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – Industry-leading certification for ethical hacking and penetration testing.
  • Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) – Training professionals to monitor, detect, and respond to live cyber threats.
  • Blockchain Finance Certification (BFC) – Preparing learners to navigate and secure decentralized finance systems.

Bridging the Gap Between Learning and Application

While online learning remains accessible, WDC’s strength lies in its in-person, hands-on model, where learners engage in simulations, labs, and case studies guided by experienced cybersecurity professionals. This approach ensures participants gain both competence and confidence to operate in high-stakes cybersecurity environments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the global demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow by 33% between 2023 and 2033, reinforcing the importance of timely training and certification in this field.

Creating Opportunities for Students, Businesses, and Partners

The launch of the Ethical Hacking program adds to WDC’s growing list of professional certification courses in Digital Marketing, Growth Marketing, and Data Analytics, solidifying its role as a key driver of Africa’s digital skills development.

  • For Aspiring Professionals: WDC provides a direct pathway into global cybersecurity roles through internationally recognized credentials.
  • For Corporates: Businesses and institutions can now train their teams to build internal cyber defense capabilities, minimizing risk and improving resilience.
  • For Global Partners: WDC is cultivating a pipeline of EC-Council-certified talent across Africa, opening doors for recruiters and training partners seeking collaboration in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem.

October Celebrates the Girl Child: Amplifying the Call for Girls’ Education in Nigeria

Tukur John
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October Celebrates the Girl Child: Amplifying the Call for Girls’ Education in Nigeria

Every October, the world unites to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG), a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering girls, protecting their rights, and ensuring equal access to opportunities. This global observance, marked on October 11 each year, extends beyond just one day. Throughout the month, governments, organizations, and advocates worldwide amplify the voices of girls and call attention to the barriers that still stand in their way.

In Nigeria, where millions of girls remain out of school, this moment carries special significance. According to UNICEF, one in three girls in Nigeria does not complete lower secondary school, and many are denied the chance to even begin formal education due to poverty, early marriage, insecurity, and cultural norms that undervalue girls’ learning. The right to education is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right, and the foundation for every girl’s freedom, safety, and economic empowerment.

When girls learn, communities thrive. Educated girls are more likely to earn higher incomes, delay marriage, make informed health decisions, and contribute to building peaceful and prosperous societies. Yet, progress in Nigeria remains uneven. In the northern regions especially, insecurity and gender-based violence continue to push girls out of classrooms, while in urban areas, economic hardship and social expectations still hold many back.

Throughout October, as the world celebrates IDG, it is crucial for Nigeria to renew its commitment to breaking these cycles. Governments, civil society, parents, and communities must work together to remove the barriers to girls’ education. This means investing in safe schools, enforcing child protection laws, and creating programs that empower girls to dream, lead, and innovate.

The theme of this year’s IDG, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”, is a powerful call to action. It challenges all of us to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to ensure that every Nigerian girl, regardless of where she is born, can learn and lead.

As the world celebrates the girl child this month, let us not only honor her potential but also fight for her right to education, because when a girl learns, she transforms her world.

Vesti Champions Innovation and Leadership at Prosper Conference 2025 in Lagos

Tukur John
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Vesti Champions Innovation and Leadership at Prosper Conference 2025 in Lagos

Vesti, Africa’s leading migration and finance infrastructure company, successfully concluded its flagship annual gathering, the Prosper Conference 2025, held from October 23–24, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos.

Themed “Roots to Riches: Africa Climbing,” the two-day event brought together visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and creatives from across the continent and the diaspora to explore Africa’s journey toward sustainable economic growth and global influence.

The conference opened with a call to action from Olusola Amusan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vesti, who set the tone for the event’s message of empowerment and transformation.

“Prosper Conference is more than an event—it’s the moment where Africa defines its next decade of progress,” Amusan declared. “By bringing together the right people, ideas, and resources, we can transform ambition into tangible outcomes with global impact.”

A Gathering of Visionary Voices

This year’s Prosper Conference featured a robust lineup of influential speakers, including Dr. Olakunle Soriyan, Global Strategist and Author; Olusola Amusan, Co-Founder and CEO of Vesti; Abimbola Amusan, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Vesti; and Hon. Tubosun Alake, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Lagos State.

In a series of keynote sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats, speakers unpacked the challenges and opportunities driving Africa’s innovation economy, with key focus areas including migration systems, digital finance, youth leadership, and enterprise growth. The sessions inspired participants to rethink Africa’s position in the global economy, not as a developing frontier, but as an emerging powerhouse for creativity, resilience, and inclusive growth.

Empowering Innovation Through Competition and Collaboration

A highlight of the event was the Prosper Pitch Competition, where promising entrepreneurs presented groundbreaking solutions designed to address pressing challenges across the continent. The winning founder received $5,000 in seed funding and access to mentorship opportunities within Vesti’s innovation ecosystem.

Complementing the pitch event, the Prosper Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in technology, migration, finance, social innovation, and the creative industries, spotlighting Africans who are redefining excellence and inspiring others to build globally relevant enterprises.

The exhibition floor also served as a vibrant hub of activity, showcasing innovations from startups, corporate partners, and development organizations. Attendees had the opportunity to experience cutting-edge products and digital tools, fostering collaborations that will continue to drive Africa’s entrepreneurial growth.

Culture, Connection, and Celebration

Beyond business and technology, Prosper Conference 2025 celebrated Africa’s diverse cultural heritage. Attendees enjoyed live performances, art showcases, culinary experiences, and storytelling sessions that brought the continent’s creativity to life. Structured networking sessions provided a platform for entrepreneurs, diaspora leaders, and investors to build lasting relationships and explore new partnerships.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Abimbola Amusan, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Vesti, remarked:

“Our theme, Roots to Riches: Africa Climbing, reflects Africa’s reality today. We are not a continent waiting to rise—we are already shaping the world’s future. Prosper Conference has shown that African innovation is strong, celebrated, and unstoppable.”

A Catalyst for Africa’s Future

For Vesti, Prosper Conference represents more than an annual gathering, it is a catalyst for long-term transformation. The company’s mission to provide migration and finance infrastructure for Africans aligns with the event’s broader goal of connecting talent, technology, and capital to unlock Africa’s full potential on the global stage.

As the curtains closed on Prosper Conference 2025, the message was clear: Africa’s moment has arrived. Through innovation, leadership, and collaboration, Vesti and its partners are paving the way for a more prosperous, connected, and globally competitive continent.

Circuits, Mount Zion, Sozo Films Unite To Revive Iconic Gospel Series ‘Agbara Nla’

Tukur John
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Circuits, Mount Zion, Sozo Films Unite To Revive Iconic Gospel Series ‘Agbara Nla’

Circuits, Africa’s premier virtual cinema and leading indigenous motion picture streaming platform, has announced a historic partnership with Mount Zion Film Productions and Sozo Films to revive one of Nigeria’s most legendary Christian film series, Agbara Nla (The Power of God).

Originally created in the 1990s by Evangelist Mike Bamiloye, Agbara Nla stands as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s gospel film history — renowned for its powerful themes of faith, divine authority, and spiritual warfare. The groundbreaking series shaped a generation of Christian storytelling and cemented Mount Zion’s reputation as a pioneer in Africa’s faith-based cinema.

Now, decades later, the beloved story returns in a modern reimagining titled Agbara Nla: The Return, co-created by Damilola Mike-Bamiloye and Joshua Mike-Bamiloye.

The revival signifies a transformative collaboration between Mount Zion, Sozo Films, and Circuits, blending spiritual depth with today’s digital storytelling innovations to reach a new generation of global audiences.

Imade Bibowei-Osuobeni, Chief Operating Officer at Circuits, described the partnership as a milestone in African digital entertainment:

“At Circuits, we believe in the power of stories that inspire hope, faith, and transformation. Partnering with Mount Zion and Sozo Films to bring back Agbara Nla is deeply symbolic — it bridges Africa’s gospel film heritage with today’s digital storytelling landscape. Our mission is to amplify authentic African voices and ensure that values-driven content reaches audiences everywhere in the world.”

Echoing the excitement, Damilola Mike-Bamiloye, Co-Creator of Agbara Nla: The Return, shared:

“Everyone in the ’90s knew about Agbara Nla, the great series written by my father, Mike Bamiloye. Now, it’s making a comeback, refreshed, reimagined, and ready to impact lives again. Are you ready for the return of Agbara Nla? It’s coming!”

As the home of African storytelling, Circuits continues to lead the evolution of digital cinema across the continent. Accessible via web, mobile apps, and smart TV platforms, Circuits connects global audiences with a diverse catalog of African entertainment, from films and documentaries to comedy specials and talk shows.

With Agbara Nla: The Return, Circuits reinforces its mission to blend faith, culture, and technology, delivering stories that transcend borders and inspire generations.

About Circuits
Circuits is Africa’s premier virtual cinema and streaming platform dedicated to showcasing indigenous motion pictures. With a presence across web, mobile, and smart TV, the platform connects global audiences with authentic African storytelling, offering a wide range of films, documentaries, talk shows, and comedy specials.

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