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There are men whose lives read like open books of divine encounters, whose journeys remind us that faith is not a theory but a lived experience. Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai was one of such men. His life, from its humble beginnings to its global impact, stood as a testament to what God can do through a heart wholly yielded to Him. Though words may never fully capture the depth and lasting impact of his life and ministry, his legacy remains a story of faith, resilience, and miracles that still move hearts today.

Early life

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s story begins in Asaga, Ohafia, a quiet community in Abia State, Nigeria. An Igbo man by origin, he came into the world on 7 January 1945, into a life that would test and ultimately refine him. His childhood was steeped in adversity. At the tender age of ten, he lost his father-an event that forced him to shoulder responsibilities far beyond his years. His grief was compounded by another cruel blow: his mother was poisoned. Reflecting on those early years, he once said, ‘I know what it means to lose a father and be a father from that age. I know what it is to save money to pay school fees. So, I have feelings for the poor. I learnt early enough to know that the stone Satan throws at you can become a stepping stone.’

Though his parents were not Christians, God’s hand was evident upon his life from the beginning. An old man once told his mother that her son was not an ordinary child and warned her never to allow him to serve as a houseboy or cook for anyone. Having already lost several children, she clung to that prophecy and protected him with fierce devotion, often saying she would do anything to keep him alive.

In 1958, at just thirteen, young Rev. Dr. Uma made the most important decision of his life-he gave his heart to Christ. That singular act marked the beginning of a journey that would touch nations and transform countless lives.

Education

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s pursuit of knowledge reflected his deep hunger for growth and purpose. He began his formal education at Uma Ukpai Memorial Primary School, Asaga, before continuing at Khana County Council School, Ogoni. His secondary education took him to All Saints Secondary School, Aba, and later to Niger Delta Technical School, now known as Boys Technical College, Aba. Driven by determination, he furthered his education abroad. He attended the School of Journalism and Television, Frisham, Hermitage, in the United Kingdom, before proceeding to the South Florida Christian College, Miami, USA; Carolina Christian University; and Burke Bible College, Kentucky, USA. Through his studies, he obtained a Certificate in Electrical Engineering Practice, a Diploma in Journalism, and both Bachelor’s and Doctorate degrees in Divinity.

Ministry

Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai’s ministry began not in grandeur but in quiet obedience. What started as small prayer gatherings in his living room eventually grew into a worldwide movement. In the early 1970s, he founded the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA) – a ministry that would become a powerhouse of evangelism, healing, deliverance, education, and humanitarian service. Through the UUEA, Dr. Ukpai traversed continents proclaiming the Gospel in power. His crusades were not mere events; they were divine visitations that drew multitudes hungry for God. Among his most historic crusades were the Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade (1982), the Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade (1985), the Greater Ohafia for Christ Crusade, Nsukka 2012, and the Anioma One-Million Man Crusade (2016).

The Greater Lagos Crusade remains legendary. Held at the National Stadium, Surulere, it gathered over 23,000 prayer volunteers, 5,000 choir members, and thousands of counsellors ministering to new converts. The atmosphere turned Lagos into what he described as ‘a prayer parlour.’ That single crusade led to the birth of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) – a nationwide coalition of Pentecostal leaders. ‘There was no PFN before then,’ he recalled. ‘We gave birth to it. Every part of Nigeria cooperated and supported the programme. It is still being sustained till now.’ For Dr. Ukpai, ministry was never about fame but faithfulness. ‘It is not about me,’ he often said. ‘It’s about God making a promise and fulfilling it in the lives of His people.’ Even after enduring immense personal loss – including the tragic drowning of two of his children and two cousins – he continued preaching the very next day. His strength baffled many, but to him, it was simply obedience. ‘I was deeply grieved,’ he said, ‘but God is faithful and doing His bidding.’

The UUEA grew to include several outreach arms, including the Uma Ukpai College of Business, the Uma Ukpai Foundation, and the Uma Ukpai School of Theology. His wife, Dr. Philomena Uma Ukpai, was a steadfast partner, working alongside him to empower believers through initiatives such as the Uma Ukpai Sustainable Wealth Creation Scheme and the Uma Ukpai Fashion Week, which trained and empowered hundreds of youths, particularly women.

Every crusade, every sermon, every project carried one unshakable message: ‘All things are possible to them that believe.’

Humanitarian and educational impact

Beyond the pulpit, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai embodied the Gospel of practical love. He believed that faith should heal not only the soul but also the body and the land. His compassion birthed several humanitarian and educational institutions that have touched thousands of lives across Nigeria and beyond.

In 2000, he established the King of Kings Specialist Hospital in Ohafor, Ohafia Local Government Area – a 24-hour medical facility providing affordable healthcare to underserved communities. In 2016, he founded the Uma Ukpai Eye Centre in Asaga Ohafia, which has since performed over 500 successful cataract surgeries and provided eye care services to more than 100 rural communities across Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States.

His vision for holistic ministry extended to education. The Uma Ukpai School of Theology and Biblical Studies (UUST), founded in 2008 and affiliated with the University of Uyo, offers degrees in Theology, Ministry, and Christian Leadership, shaping the next generation of ministers. In 2017, he established the Uma Ukpai Polytechnic in Asaga-Ohafia, accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), to train young Nigerians in Computer Science, Engineering, and Business Administration.

He also founded the Joseph Business School, an affiliate of the prestigious Chicago-based institution, to equip believers with leadership and entrepreneurship skills rooted in biblical principles. Through the Uma Ukpai Scholarship Foundation, countless students have received financial support to pursue their dreams.

In 2022, he laid the foundation for the Uma Ukpai Prayer City in Isiugwu-Ohafia, envisioned to seat 120,000 people, making it one of the largest auditoriums in the world. For Rev. Ukpai, it was not just an architectural vision but a spiritual landmark – a ‘place where humanity will meet divinity.’

Miracles and divine encounters

Every Abia crusade, every gathering under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, was marked by extraordinary manifestations of God’s power. Wherever he went, the atmosphere seemed charged with faith, expectation, and the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit. People came burdened with pain, sickness, and despair – and left with testimonies that defied human explanation.

The first miracle in his life came a day after he gave his heart to Christ and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. While at Khana County Council Secondary School in Rivers State, a madman known as Deco stormed the school, sending teachers and students fleeing in fear. In that moment, young Rev. Dr. Uma heard God’s voice within him: ‘You too can sack the madman.’ Acting in faith, he commanded the man to roll out of the school. To everyone’s astonishment, Deco obeyed – and as he rolled away, he cried, ‘Do you know that I am naked?’ The once-violent man was instantly restored to sanity.

By 1971, his passion for souls had led him to become the first missionary at Ahmadu Bello University. A year later, he pioneered the same move at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. During one of his teaching sessions there, something extraordinary happened – Jesus appeared to him twice. The divine encounter left a lasting imprint on his spirit. Not long after, a man from America who attended one of his teachings was so moved that he adopted him as a son and provided funds for his journey to the United States. That trip would open yet another chapter of ministry that touched nations.

There were times when God’s power showed up not just in meetings, but in moments of danger. One night, armed robbers came to his home. But as they tried to break in, the gate began to move up and down on its own, as if an unseen hand was guarding the entrance. Stunned and powerless, the men surrendered and begged Rev. Dr. Uma to pray for them.

In another unforgettable experience, while going for a ministration in an Arab country, he suddenly found himself speaking their language – a tongue he had never learned. God had changed his speech in that moment, enabling him to communicate effectively.

Even in moments of danger, his confidence in God never wavered. During a trip to Aba for a supposed ministration, he and his wife were kidnapped. The captors demanded his car and money, but he refused, declaring that he would only give them up if God told him to. Frustrated, they handed him a cup filled with poison. Holding it up, he said calmly, ‘I drink you as tea; you must function as tea. If you go beyond the boundaries of tea, whatever God will do to you, don’t call my name.’ Then he drank it. Hours later, he walked out of captivity alive and untouched.

His life was a stream of supernatural stories. In 1985, while smuggling Bibles into China with a friend – risking a twenty-year jail term if caught – they began to pray in tongues at the Kenton border. Just as the officers were about to inspect their bags, the scanning machine broke down. Without hesitation, the officials waved them through.

The same presence that saved him in danger also healed many through his ministry. A woman once received a brand-new womb after being diagnosed with cancer of the uterus. His own first son, born crippled, was healed during a worship session after a divine prompting from the Holy Spirit.

Each miracle whispered the same truth: that with unshakable faith, nothing is impossible.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has voiced support for La Liga players protesting the league’s controversial decision to stage a match in Miami, USA.

La Liga confirmed last week that Barcelona’s away fixture against Villarreal, scheduled for December 20, will take place in Miami, marking the first-ever European league match to be played abroad. In response, the Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) announced a ‘symbolic protest’ to be staged before every La Liga match this week.

Players from Oviedo and Espanyol demonstrated by standing still for the first 15 seconds of their game on Friday, although the gesture was not shown on broadcast coverage. ‘We are against the match; we believe it distorts the competition,’ Alonso said during his pre-match press conference.

‘There hasn’t been unanimity or proper consultation for it to be played on neutral ground. The protests are positive, and that sentiment is positive.’

The Real Madrid boss added that while such international ventures could be considered in the future, they should only happen with full agreement among clubs and players.

‘We believe it could happen if there were unanimity, but that’s not the case right now,’ Alonso stated.

Alonso’s comments come ahead of Real Madrid’s clash with Getafe on Sunday, where he confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is expected to return from an ankle issue that ruled him out of France’s recent World Cup qualifier against Iceland.

‘Everyone who went with their national teams, except Dean (Huijsen), has returned in good condition,’ Alonso said.

If you’re Nigerian, you don’t need a prophet to tell you that once you pick up this book, you’re already eyeing billionaire status. I mean, who doesn’t want the express lane to ‘making it big’ around here? No wonder young people are snapping up copies of Femi Otedola’s Making It Big. Let’s be honest, we’re all chasing that ‘big’ life.

Femi Otedola needs no introduction, but in case you’ve somehow been living under a rock, the book cover makes sure you can now put a face to the name.

If you’re expecting a classic rags-to-riches story, you might be surprised. Otedola didn’t start from nothing, he grew up privileged but don’t let that fool you. The book is packed with sharp business lessons, personal reflections, and hard-earned insights.

Approach Making It Big with an open mind and you’ll find plenty to learn. Otedola clearly wrote this with the intention of mentoring young entrepreneurs, and many of his insights are pure gold. Still, some readers might find a few parts discouraging, many of his lessons assume access to resources most people don’t have. Yet, his principles can still spark ambition and challenge readers to think bigger. And really, should privilege disqualify someone from sharing their story?

From manicures to finance, downstream oil trading, shipping, real estate, and power, Otedola has dipped his hands into almost everything. He may not strike you as much of a talker, but here, he opens up, something many Nigerian moguls shy away from.

He even lets us in on personal moments like the time he dropped out of school. (And no, that’s not your cue to drop out too!) While most Nigerian parents boast about their flawless grades, Otedola admits he wasn’t exactly the brightest student. That honesty makes the book refreshingly human. With its simple, direct language, it’s an easy and entertaining read.

One moment, he’s telling his life story; the next, he’s teaching history, preaching motivation, or switching into businessman mode. He’s restless, impatient, bold, maybe even a little crazy, judging by some of his deals. Visionaries will find him inspiring; those content with the simple life might find him overwhelming. He owns his mistakes, boasts about his wins, and never pretends to be perfect. You’ll see sides of Femi Otedola you’ve never seen before.

Still, if you’re not ready to face the kind of storms he weathered, maybe keep living your ordinary life because this billionaire path isn’t for the faint-hearted. His experiences are eye-opening, showing that wealth comes with both grit and grief.

Then there’s the cheeky side of Otedola. When he writes things like ‘let the haters go and eat grass,’ you know this isn’t your typical polished billionaire memoir. He names names and says things only a billionaire can get away with. Some of his former employees might not find this read so nostalgic.

In the end, Making It Big does more than tell one man’s story, it sets a precedent. It’s a call for more African leaders to step forward and share their journeys honestly with the younger generation.

Nigeria’s dominance in West Africa’s digital economy positions it as a critical hub for the continent’s next frontier of innovation.

Beneath the country’s e-commerce boom lies a tougher reality, which is that millions of small and informal businesses still struggle with logistics, compliance, credit access, and insurance. These are the under-innovated, operational bottlenecks holding back Nigeria’s true commercial potential, TechCabal Insights’ Future of Commerce Report 2025 noted.

‘The future of African commerce is a future of infrastructure which are digital, financial, and logistical, and Nigeria, with its talent and scale, is where that future is already being built,’ the report said.

Nigeria anchors nearly 70 percent of West Africa’s 48 million e-commerce users, making it the region’s undisputed commercial hub. With 32.3 million digital shoppers, Lagos alone drives much of this activity, supported by rising internet penetration and a young, connected consumer base, it stated.

One of the standout case studies in the report is OmniRetail, the Nigerian B2B commerce company founded by Deepankar Rustagi. Through its ecosystem of platforms – OmniBiz, Mplify, and OmniPay- the company digitises the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) value chain, connecting over 150,000 retailers with 145 manufacturers and 5,800 distributors across Nigeria, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.

‘Every FMCG transaction has two sides, which are the movement of goods and funds,’ Rustagi said. ‘By aggregating value from both, we’re creating sustainable growth and deepening financial inclusion.’

OmniRetail’s integrated model, combining logistics, finance, and distribution, has made it one of the few profitable African tech companies, recording N1.3 trillion ($810 million) in transaction volume in 2024 and N19 billion ($12 million) monthly in credit disbursements. The report noted that this model reflects the direction Nigeria’s next wave of startups must take, which is combining commerce, finance, and compliance into unified systems that solve non-negotiable business problems.

‘Fintech solved the first layer of access, but now the focus must shift to painkillers, which are B2B platforms solving real problems like financing, supply chain visibility, and compliance,’ said Dotun Olowoporoku, managing partner at Ventures Platform.’

Nigeria is set to play a defining role in Africa’s next phase of commercial transformation, which is one driven not by consumer apps or digital payments alone, but by deep operational solutions that form the engine room of trade.

The report noted that the future of African commerce will be won by founders who solve for depth, not just reach, and Nigeria, with its scale, entrepreneurial energy, and emerging policy reforms, is at the heart of that transformation.’

Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s minister of industry, trade, and investment, commenting in the report, highlighted the country’s strategic pivot from a tariff-driven economy to an investment-led growth model anchored in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

‘We are replacing short-term revenue from customs duties with long-term, sustainable wealth driven by productive investment,’ Oduwole said. ‘Nigeria is positioning to become Africa’s innovation, production, and distribution capital.’

The report noted that the next wave of billion-dollar companies will not emerge from consumer-facing marketplaces but from Nigerian founders solving the hard, hidden problems of trade.

Afro-Tech Girls, a leading non-profit dedicated to empowering young African women in STEM, has joined forces with VampAI to launch a transformative 5-week Resume Challenge, one of several groundbreaking initiatives aimed at equipping thousands of young women across Africa with career readiness skills that match their technical expertise.

For over a decade, Afro-Tech Girls has been at the forefront of driving change across Africa’s technology landscape.

Through community programs, school outreaches, and industry partnerships, the organization has impacted over 5000+ of women and girls, helping them gain practical exposure, discover new career paths, and access learning opportunities that once felt out of reach. From classrooms in Lagos to virtual learning cohorts across the continent, the ripple effect of these efforts has been both personal and far-reaching.

But after years of walking closely with these women, one truth became clear: learning technical skills was just one part of the journey.

Many struggled to translate their learning into job opportunities, unsure of how to present their experience, build portfolios that reflect their growth, or confidently communicate their value in interviews. It was this recurring pain point that inspired the Afro-Tech Girls x VampAI Resume Challenge.

The partnership was born out of a critical insight from Afro-Tech Girls’ ongoing work. While their technical training programs, in collaboration with sponsors like IHS Nigeria and Stutern, have successfully equipped African women aged 18-35 with sought-after skills in UI/UX design, cloud computing, frontend development, data science, and more, many participants struggled to effectively showcase these skills in job applications or interviews.

It was evident that the bridge between learning technical skills and securing tech roles was incomplete. Women needed guidance on telling their professional stories, building compelling portfolios, and confidently navigating interviews to stand out in a global talent pool.

When VampAI stepped in, the results were remarkable. Leveraging its expertise as a leading platform that helps startups and global companies hire, manage, and pay remote African talent with ease, Vamp designed a tailored experience for Afro-Tech Girls’ members. From a total pool of 1000+ beneficiaries of Afro-Tech Girls training programs over the years, 34 participants were selected for the maiden edition of the resume challenge,each receiving access to Vamp AI’s career development tools, one-on-one portfolio reviews, and interactive workshops.

By the program’s conclusion, 97% of participants felt confident in creating resumes and portfolios, while 72% reported increased confidence about their overall career prospects-powerful indicators of readiness to compete on the global stage.

The program went far beyond template resumes or generic tips. Sessions featured practical, insider advice from experienced tech professionals like Ope Odunlami, who reminded participants: ‘Your portfolio is your silent ambassador. Make sure it speaks clearly, conveniently, and authentically.’

Similarly, Prisca Anuolam shared, ‘Don’t ever stop practising interviewing, because it is going to be valuable at every stage.’

These weren’t just motivational soundbites-they were industry-tested strategies that addressed the exact hurdles women face when trying to break into or advance within tech roles.

For VampAI, this initiative is part of a larger mission: to transform Africa’s talent potential into a globally recognised workforce. Vamp ensures that companies whether in Lagos, London, or San Francisco can confidently hire African professionals who are both technically skilled and professionally prepared.

Startups and global companies using Vamp’s platform gain access to verified talent, streamlined hiring processes, and seamless cross-border payment solutions, making Africa’s skilled workforce more accessible than ever.

The Resume Challenge is just one of several programs contributing to Afro-Tech Girls and VampAI’s broader efforts reaching over 5,000 women. Future initiatives include targeted mentorship programs, advanced career accelerator bootcamps, and direct talent placement into startups and scaleups seeking remote African professionals.

The partnership has proven a key truth: technical skills open the door, but career readiness ensures you can walk through it with confidence. By blending Afro-Tech Girls’ robust technical training with VampAI’s talent development and employer-matching expertise, participants aren’t just learning skills-they’re gaining careers.

For the tech ecosystem, this kind of collaboration sets a new standard. It’s a holistic approach to talent development that not only benefits underrepresented groups in tech but also provides companies worldwide with access to a rich, diverse, and job-ready talent pool.

Some of the profiles of the Resume Challenge graduates and other inspiring stories are featured in the ATG x VampAI Talent Showcase, offering employers a glimpse into a generation of women poised to lead Africa’s contribution to the global technology landscape.

The Talent Showcase Magazine is available online and can be accessed here to read the inspiring stories of the Resume Challenge graduates and get an exclusive look at the talent that will shape the future of Technology in Africa.

The federal government, through the ministry of livestock development, has donated 700 doses of anti-rabies vaccine to the University of Abuja Veterinary Clinic.

The donation is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen veterinary healthcare and support the global campaign to eradicate rabies by 2030, a statement by the ministry informed.

Announcing the donation in Abuja on Friday, Samuel Anzaku, chief veterinary officer of Nigeria (CVON), said the gesture underscores the ministry’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and disease prevention in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Anzaku, who led the ministry’s delegation to the institution, noted that the items donated include 700 doses of anti-rabies vaccine, syringes, packs of cotton wool, disinfectants, and other disease-control consumables.

He emphasised the importance of accurate documentation and reporting of vaccination activities within and around the university community. ‘The federal ministry of livestock development recognises the University of Abuja’s pivotal role in advancing veterinary education and field research. This collaboration will help improve vaccination coverage and enhance disease surveillance capacity,’ he stated.

Responding, Matthew Adamu, acting vice-chancellor of the University of Abuja, expressed appreciation to the ministry for its support, assuring that the vaccines and materials would be judiciously utilised.

‘With Anzaku’s leadership as chief veterinary officer and the federal government’s renewed attention to livestock health, we expect to see a significant transformation in veterinary services, particularly in disease surveillance and access to remote livestock communities,’ Adamu said. He further urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to establish prototype ranches for teaching, research, and revenue generation, adding that such initiatives would strengthen collaboration between academia and government in livestock development.

The visit reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to promote inter-institutional partnerships and sustain preventive health programs in line with the One Health approach to animal and human welfare.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains the undisputed king of football finances, heading an elite group of ten players whose combined earnings for 2025 total an astonishing $945 million, according to Forbes lates list.

The 40-year-old Portuguese icon tops the rankings for the sixth time in a decade, powered by his mega-deal in the Saudi Pro League. While legends like Ronaldo and Messi continue to dominate, two young phenoms are signalling a generational shift in the sport’s financial hierarchy.

Here is a breakdown of the 10 highest-paid footballers in 2025:

Cristiano Ronaldo – $280 million

The 40-year-old Portuguese legend remains the world’s highest-paid footballer, earning a total of $280 million this year.

On-field earnings: $230m from Al-Nassr

Off-field earnings: $50m from endorsements and business ventures

Ronaldo’s global brand – boasting over one billion social media followers – keeps him at the summit for the sixth time in a decade.

Lionel Messi – $130 million

Inter Miami’s talisman continues to shine in the MLS, pulling in $130 million in total earnings.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $70m

Messi’s partnerships with Adidas, Lay’s, and Mastercard make him the only MLS-based player on this list.

Karim Benzema – $104 million

Now leading Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema earns around $104 million this season.

On-field earnings: $100m

Off-field earnings: $4m

The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid for one of football’s most lucrative contracts.

Kylian Mbappé – $95 million

The French superstar continues to combine elite performance with savvy investments.

On-field earnings: $80m

Off-field earnings: $15m

Mbappé holds stakes in companies like Loewe and owns 80% of French club Caen, positioning himself for life beyond football.

Erling Haaland – $80 million

Manchester City’s goal machine earns $80 million annually.

On-field earnings: $60m

Off-field earnings: $20m

The Norwegian striker’s Nike deal and Premier League dominance make him one of football’s most marketable athletes.

Vinícius Júnior – $60 million

Real Madrid’s Brazilian star pockets $60 million, thanks to both his club salary and major brand deals.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $15m

He’s partnered with Nike, Hugo Boss, and Prada Eyewear – and continues to rise as a global football icon.

Mohamed Salah – $55 million

Liverpool’s Egyptian star remains one of the Premier League’s biggest earners at $55 million.

On-field earnings: $45m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Salah’s leadership helped Egypt qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and his global appeal remains unmatched in Africa.

Sadio Mané – $54 million

The Senegalese forward earns $54 million, mostly from his deal with Al-Nassr.

On-field earnings: $50m

Off-field earnings: $4m

Despite leaving Europe, Mané’s star power and philanthropy keep him among football’s elite earners.

Jude Bellingham – $44 million

The English midfielder’s meteoric rise continues at Real Madrid with $44 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $35m

Off-field earnings: $9m

After winning the Champions League and La Liga, Bellingham signed partnerships with Adidas and Louis Vuitton.

Lamine Yamal – $43 million

At just 18, Barcelona’s prodigy enters the top 10 with $43 million in earnings.

On-field earnings: $33m

Off-field earnings: $10m

Yamal recently signed a new contract, took over Barça’s iconic No. 10 shirt, and landed deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, and Powerade.

Technical know-how may get you a seat at the table, but adaptability, teamwork, and communication determine how far you’ll go.

The yardsticks of success are changing in Nigeria’s bustling corporate corridors.

Degrees, certifications, and technical know-how may still secure a chance to prove yourself, but what sustains growth, builds influence, and creates real career longevity are the invisible traits we call soft skills. ?Take Chika, a graduate trainee in Lagos. She had the right qualifications and could crunch numbers with ease. But in her first months at work, she struggled, not because she wasn’t competent, but because her blunt emails often came across as rude, she didn’t understand her boss’s work style, and she found it hard to connect with her team.

It was only when she invested in her communication and interpersonal skills that her career took a positive turn.

?This is not unique to Chika. Across Nigerian offices, many brilliant employees are held back because they lack the ability to manage relationships, read the room, or even write an email that balances clarity with courtesy. Being likeable, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent often matters as much as delivering excellent work.

?Consider Tunde, a mid-level officer in Abuja. Technically, he was one of the best in his unit. But he had a habit of replying to his manager’s emails with one-line answers, even when more context was expected.

His boss interpreted this as arrogance. The truth? Tunde simply didn’t realise that upward communication requires not just brevity, but diplomacy, reassurance, and a demonstration that you understand the bigger picture. Once he learned to frame responses with both detail and respect, his relationship with his boss transformed.

?How about Funmi, a young executive on Lagos Island, who thought excelling at her tasks was enough. But in Nigeria’s workplace culture, relationships often create opportunities that competence alone cannot. By engaging with colleagues during lunch breaks, attending office functions, and showing genuine interest in others’ work, Funmi became more visible, and doors began to open.

?Conflict management is another area where soft skills prove invaluable. Emeka, a project officer in Port Harcourt, once confronted a colleague in front of the team over a missed deadline. While his points were valid, his delivery bruised egos and escalated tensions.

A senior colleague later advised him on handling disagreements privately and offering constructive feedback instead of public criticism. That simple shift earned Emeka greater respect and preserved team cohesion. ?The bottom line is this: soft skills are the glue that holds careers together. The ability to draft thoughtful emails, interpret your boss’s unspoken expectations, navigate office politics without manipulation, and build authentic networks often determines who thrives and who remains stuck.

?Soft skills are also leadership skills. As professionals climb the ladder, the job becomes less about individual output and more about people management, influence, and trust. Leaders who inspire, communicate clearly, and handle conflict with tact leave stronger legacies than those who only deliver tasks.

?’It’s not always the smartest in the room who thrives, but the one who connects, adapts, and inspires.’

?At the end of the day, competence may get your foot in the door, but soft skills keep it open. For professionals who want to grow, the challenge is clear: don’t just work on what you know, work on how you show up.

?Mary Babatunde is the country HR manager at CS-SUNN and founder of the Corporate-Preneur Initiative

Our mother has always been manipulative. For as long as I can remember, she controlled everything and everyone around her including our father. Her constant nagging, bad behavior and emotional games eventually pushed him into the arms of another woman. But because she cleverly turned us against him, we never gave him a chance to explain his side of the story.

We believed every word she said about him. To us, he was a weak man who abandoned his wife and daughters for another woman. We saw him as a failure, exactly how she painted him. The last time Dad tried to reach out to us, my sisters and I told him off so badly that he quietly said, ‘I only hope it won’t be too late by the time you realize the kind of person your mother truly is.’ After that, he left and never looked back.

My youngest sister, Medley, was always a daddy’s girl. No matter how hard Mom tried to poison her mind, she still had a soft spot for him. I even suspected that she secretly kept in touch with him but I had no proof. I considered her a traitor, unlike my other sister and I, who were loyal to our mother.

One thing about our mother was that she loved to meddle in everything we did, especially our relationships. I used to think it was her way of showing love and concern but looking back now, I see it for what it truly was, calculated selfishness and manipulation.

Mom loved the good life, expensive clothes, fine dining and luxury. She often funded this lifestyle through the men her daughters dated. She encouraged us to go after men who had money, not necessarily those with character or commitment. Their looks, age or marital status didn’t matter as long as they could spend on us. Sometimes we dated more than one man at once and she would even help us cover our tracks.

She liked to get close to these men too, sometimes too close for comfort. I always brushed it off, thinking she was just being her usual friendly self.

Then I met Dr. Mark and everything changed. Dr. Mark’s father owned the hospital where I worked as a medical laboratory technician. I’m an attractive woman and I’m used to men paying attention to me but he was different. He barely noticed me and that made me determined to get his attention. For over a year, I worked hard to impress him. I started working longer hours and performing beyond expectation. After six months of winning Staff of the Month consecutively, I received a special gift from the boss, Dr. Mark himself.

I went to his office to thank him and that was how it all began. We had a light conversation, mostly me doing the talking and from that day, I would casually stop by his office, pretending to have one thing or another to say.

Then came the day I took things further.

I knew Dr. Mark’s routine, so one evening, I positioned myself at the car park just before his closing time. When I saw him walking towards his car, I pretended to be crying. He stopped, concerned and asked what had happened. I faked a story about a painful heartbreak and he took pity on me. From then, he began checking up on me to make sure I was okay.

After a while, I went back to his office to thank him for his kindness. That day, I shared more personal stories with him and carefully chosen stories that made him feel trusted and needed. I gave the impression that I found him easy to talk to and I could see him as a safe space. Gradually, the conversations became more personal and more intimate.

One evening, in a moment of weakness, Dr. Mark let his guard down. Desire took over and he couldn’t resist. It was not accidental for me. This was the outcome of months of planning between my mother and I. Our mission had finally succeeded.

Dr. Mark was shattered afterward. It was the first time he had ever broken his marriage vows. He apologized to me and begged that we forget it ever happened. He said it was a mistake that would never repeat itself. But just when he thought it was over, I told him I was pregnant.

The news hit him like thunder especially because his wife had just found out she was finally expecting a baby after six long years of waiting. The confusion and devastation that followed was indescribable.

My mother, of course, jumped into the matter immediately and made everything worse. She threatened to go public with the pregnancy if Dr. Mark didn’t marry me. She knew his family name, the Mark Ade-Phillips was built on reputation and integrity and that scandals were their worst nightmare so she used this as leverage to torment him.

The situation nearly destroyed his marriage. His wife was heartbroken and humiliated. But my mother didn’t care. She kept pushing and insisting that her daughter couldn’t live far from her baby’s father. Not long after, my mother and I moved into the doctor’s house. She acted as though she owned the place. If anyone thought Dr. Mark’s wife would walk out, they were mistaken. She was angry but she was also wise. Her husband had mentioned me to her a few times and she always suspected that I was up to no good. She saw through our games and decided to stay strong until the baby was born and a DNA test was done or until the next line of action taken.

My mother became a constant pain in everyone’s neck, I thought she was overbearing and out of control most times but I couldn’t do or say anything. She was milking the situation and making outrageous demands, constantly reminding Dr. Mark of his family name and the importance of protecting it from scandal. She was proud and boastful, certain that her daughter had finally ‘hit it big.’ She often bragged that soon, we would be part of the movers and shakers of society.

As fate would have it, both I and Mrs. Mark were pregnant around the same time. But while she carried hers with quiet dignity, my mother and I made life miserable for her. We taunted her, mocked her and threw cruel words at her. She ignored us completely and went about her daily life with calmness.

Under my mother’s influence, I began to act nastier towards Mrs. Mark. But then, everything took a tragic turn.

At six months pregnant, I began to experience sharp abdominal pains and bleeding. We thought it was a threatened miscarriage until a scan revealed it was an ectopic pregnancy. The fetus had to be evacuated to save my life. I almost died and there were complications that would affect my ability to conceive.

When I recovered, I was filled with regret and anger. I realized too late that my mother had ruined not just my life but all of ours.

Dr. Mark, exhausted and disgusted gave us an ultimatum to leave his house. My mother pleaded, begging him to give us a chance to redeem ourselves. She even asked him to help me get my job back but he threw us out without a moment’s hesitation. finally glad to be free from the trouble my mother and I had brought to his family.

While this drama was unfolding, my younger sister got into trouble. She was hospitalized after being beaten up by thugs sent by the wife of a man she was dating. She knew he was married but our mother had encouraged the relationship because of the man’s wealth.

Then we got the biggest shock of all, our youngest sister, Medley, had moved in with our father and his new wife in another state.

His new wife was a beautiful widow who gave him peace and happiness. You could see the difference because he looked younger, healthier and truly content.

Medley loved her stepmother deeply because she was everything our own mother wasn’t. gentle, kind and full of wisdom.

That was when the truth hit us all. Our mother’s manipulative ways had destroyed everything good in her life and in ours. Her greed and control had pushed away everyone who ever loved her.

Dr. Mark and his wife eventually recovered from the storm. Their marriage grew stronger after the pain. They learned forgiveness and patience and they became even closer.

As for us, we learned the hardest lesson of all: that manipulation, greed and deceit always come at a cost.

In the end, my mother lost everything she thought she had gained. And we, her daughters, were left picking up the pieces of our lives, finally seeing her for who she truly was.

WellaHealth, a Nigerian health-tech firm, through its ZOI-embed, a plug-and-play digital tool that allows businesses to integrate healthcare services directly into their platforms has seen adoption by Palmpay, MTN, and Airtel.

This adoption gives these platforms the ability to offer health services as a native feature within their ecosystems.

The new offering enables users to book medical consultations, access pharmacies, order lab tests, and subscribe to micro-insurance plans without leaving apps they already use.

Integration of ZOI-embed is handled via an API, which WellaHealth says can be implemented in under 48 hours.

Once integrated, the embedded feature can appear either as a distinct service that takes users to a WellaHealth interface, or be white-labeled to look like a native part of the host application. Platform partners can offer a variety of health plan tiers which range from basic malaria coverage to broader packages encompassing doctor consultations, lab diagnostics, and chronic disease support.

Users sign up with standard KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures. Payments are processed through existing payment channels (cards, wallets, transfers, recurring billing), with contributions capped monthly or annually depending on the plan chosen.

WellaHealth handles the operational delivery which includes after purchase, the company arranges referrals, coordinates with labs, and sends medicines (free delivery in some cases) to users.

For host platforms that bring large customer volumes, pricing and revenue-sharing arrangements may be negotiated individually.

With over seven years in operation and a network of more than 2,500 healthcare partners across Nigeria, WellaHealth is leveraging depth of reach and infrastructure to scale this embedded solution.