Category: Business Day

On Saturday 13th September, 2025 The Star NetworkPodcast (‘TSNP’) launched the first edition of its Business Meet and Greet series. The platform, Founded and Hosted by Zephia

Ovia-Ikem, is a Podcast and Business community thatshowcases the Entrepreneurial Journey of African Founders.From industry experts to startups and creatives, the platformshares what the African blueprint to business looks like.

Beyond story-telling, The Star Network Podcast is expanding its offerings to focused group engagements between industryexperts with over 30 years of corporate experience and young African Founders.

The first edition of the Business Meet and Greet series featured Mrs Munira Shonibare (CEO and Founder IO Furniture) Nigeria’s leading Furniture manufacturing company and interior design service. As the Business expert of the day, she shared valuablelessons with 16 young founders from The Star Network Podcast community, sharing on how to problem solve in various startup scenarios. The audience left the session enriched on amasterclass on leadership and business tools as well as connecting with other Founders

‘My vision is to support the next generation of Founders in theirentrepreneurial journey through direct access to expert-led communities, mentorship, startup tools, and avenues for funding by providing access to seasoned business leaders.Given this is the first edition, I’m excited to see how the initiative grows into different dimensions while maintaining the core goal – access for young entrepreneurs ‘ says Zephia Ovia-Ikem.

The Star Network Podcast currently has 6,000k+ subscribers onYouTube and is available on all major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Instagram, LinkedIn etc

Uba Sani, the executive Governor of Kaduna state has called all Nigerians to work together, across communities, faiths, and backgrounds so as to confront the challengesand unlock the collective potentials, describing the 65th Democracy Day celebration as a history day. Adding that, It is in unity that Nigerians will continue to give life to the dream of a peaceful, just, and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Uba Sani who made the call today Wednesday, /1/10/2025 while addressing the good people of kaduna state stated that, in Kaduna State, they are translating vision into action as the administration is pursuing inclusive development and renewal through strategic and peoples centred investments especially in the areas of Infrastructure and Economic Connectivity, Rural Transformation Agricultural Revival, Human Capital Development and Health Care, Agriculture as well as Food Security, Peace Building, with Justice, Equity and inclusion.

The Governor stressed that his administration prioritised infrastructure as the engine of development haven launched 85 urban and rural road projects, covering 785 kilometres across the state, nearly half of them completed, facilitating trade, reducing travel time, and improving access to markets for farmers and entrepreneurs alike with rebuilding urban roads, bridges, and essential public utilities to stimulate investment and elevate living conditions.

Uba Sani emphasized that Rural Revitalisation Agenda is reawakening the economic potential of previously marginalised communities with reopening of key markets such as the Birnin Gwari Livestock Market and the Kidandan Market in Giwa, a resurgence of local commerce and a renewed sense of community confidence, more than 500,000 hectares of abandoned farmland have been reclaimed, equipping the farmers to produce more while enhancing food security across the state.

‘ Education and health are not luxuries – they are the pillars of our future. We are executing a comprehensive reform of our educational system to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality learning. This includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools. Through the Reaching Out-of-School Children Project, we have successfully returned over 10,728 children to the classroom. Moreover, we have reopened 535 schools previously shut due to insecurity, reaffirming our belief that education is a right, not a privilege’. He added He added that, ‘ In healthcare, we have turned promises into action. We have upgraded 255 Primary Health Care Centres across the state, bringing vital services closer to rural communities. These efforts are supported by our investments in three world-class vocational institutes, which are empowering our youth and women with marketable skills to thrive in an evolving economy. Agriculture and Food Security: Recognising the strategic importance of agriculture, we have allocated over 10% of the 2025 budget to the sector – the highest in recent years. This demonstrates our commitment to empowering smallholder farmers, promoting climate-smart practices, and strengthening the agricultural value chain to ensure long-term food security and economic growth’ ‘.

He said, ‘ We understand that meaningful development is impossible without peace. This is why we have deepened our investment in community security, reconciliation, and dialogue. We are expanding community policing initiatives, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and supporting victims of conflict. Through these efforts, we are rebuilding trust across diverse communities and reaffirming our collective commitment to peaceful coexistence. Justice, equity, and inclusion are the cornerstones of our governance approach. We are building a Kaduna State where policy is driven by fairness, leadership is guided by empathy, and every community, no matter how remote, has a voice in shaping our shared future ‘.

Sani who expressed determination to build a Kaduna that is safe, strong, and inclusive detailed that the path ahead requires greater cooperation between government and the people. Adding that Development is a shared responsibility as such every citizen should contribute through acts of peace, through civic participation, and through unwavering belief in the promise of our state and nation. ‘Nigeria’s future remains bright, and Kaduna’s role in that future is significant. Under His Excellency,

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the nation is undergoing bold reforms to secure peace, restore prosperity, and strengthen democratic governance. Kaduna stands fully in support of this vision. As we celebrate today, let us renew our commitment to building a nation where hope thrives and unity endures. With God’s guidance and our collective resolve, we will overcome our challenges and realise the full potential of our state and country ‘ he stated.

The Institute of Change Management (ICM) has called on Nigerian businesses to prepare for a future defined by the convergence of people, processes, and technology, noting that successful organisations will be those that approach digital transformation with intentionality and agility.

Nat Osewele, president/chairman of the council of ICM, during his address of welcome at the 2025 ICM Annual Conference themed, ‘Navigating to the Future: Synchronising People, Processes and Technology for the Next Era of Change,’ said the gathering was more than a meeting of professionals but a launchpad for transformation.

‘This conference reflects our collective commitment to shaping the future with intention, innovation, and integrity,’ Osewele stated.

He emphasised that the future is not to be feared but designed, while urging change leaders to build cultures that embrace agility, collaboration, and continuous learning.

During a panel session on ‘digital transformation and organisational agility,’ industry leaders highlighted both opportunities and challenges facing Nigerian firms.

Morolayo Igeleke, country marketing manager at UPS, stressed that successful transformation depends on leadership commitment.

‘It starts from the top,’ he said. ‘The shoulders of implementation begin with leadership, and everyone else will pick from it.

‘To invest in digital transformation as a leader, you must be digitally literate, set visions and timings, and grow incrementally. Mindset change is very difficult, but with execution and time, things will change,’ Igeleke noted. Folorunsho Aliu, group chief information officer of Dangote Industries Limited, said agility is not just speed but alignment with an organisation’s realities.

‘A lot of people are jumping to AI because it’s the real thing, but you can’t digitise processes if your business is still running on paper,’ Aliu stated. ‘You must evaluate your stage, set the right foundation, and grow organically. There is no need to rush just to catch up with everybody.’

He added that small businesses may find it easier to embed digital systems from scratch, while larger organisations must take a more structured approach.

The panel agreed that Nigerian businesses must prioritise continuous learning, workforce audits, and communication when adopting AI. Small pilot projects, investment in digital literacy, and ethical considerations were also identified as critical success factors.

Obiageli Nwobi, managing consultant at HR Allied Services Ltd, noted that AI is already embedded in everyday work.

She stated that there is an urgency to prepare today’s workforce for an AI-driven future. ‘AI has come to stay. Many of us already use it daily without realising it – from personalised recommendations to research tools.

‘The workforce of tomorrow will not only be assisted by AI, it will be shaped by it. The focus is shifting from jobs to skills, and success will depend on human-AI collaboration.’

It was noted that AI is increasingly taking over repetitive jobs, but new roles are also being created, from AI ethics officers to process improvement engineers.

‘Our jobs are not disappearing; they are evolving.’

Canada’s has formally ceased its permanent residency (PR) pathway for foreign nationals through its flagship Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed the permanent closure of the pathway intended for caregivers applying from outside the country, ending a long period of uncertainty for prospective applicants.

The HCWP, which launched with separate options for Home Support and Child Care, was initially presented as including streams for workers abroad. However, despite early assurances, the international intake component never opened for applications and has now been officially discontinued. Backlog blamed for sudden closure

While IRCC has not provided a formal explanation for the decision, available data strongly suggests the closure is a direct result of the immense backlog in caregiver applications.

As of September 11, 2025, IRCC’s inventory of caregiver applications, which includes both the current and older pilot programs, stood at a staggering 34,400.

The department has stated its intention to process only 14 per cent of this figure, equating to 4,816 applications by the end of the year.

With Canada having already admitted 4,200 new permanent residents under caregiver pilots between January 1 and September 11, 2025, only approximately 600 spaces remain for the rest of the year.

This allocation falls significantly short of the 2,750 new permanent residents originally planned for the in-Canada stream of the HCWP alone. The closure therefore aligns with a broader governmental policy shift to prioritise the transition of temporary residents already within Canada to permanent status.

This strategy is reflected in recent category-based Express Entry draws favouring the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and federal instructions requiring provinces to dedicate 75 per cent of their nomination allocations to candidates already residing domestically.

Alternative immigration options remain

Despite the end of the international HCWP stream, foreign caregivers still retain several avenues to immigrate. They are:

Express entry: Workers whose roles fall under National Occupational Classification (NOC) 33102 (nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates) remain eligible to apply through the federal Express Entry system.

They may benefit from the popular category-based selection draws for healthcare and social services roles, although it is highly competitive.

The most recent healthcare-specific draw required applicants to achieve a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs): Several provincial governments continue to actively invite caregivers through their respective nomination streams. These include:

Manitoba: Skilled worker overseas stream.

Ontario: Employer job offer: Foreign worker stream (through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program).

New Brunswick: Priority occupations stream

Newfoundland and Labrador: Skilled Worker category.

Canada has set an overall limit of 10,920 permanent residents for 2025 across all economic federal pilots, a number that encompasses the Caregiver Pilots alongside programmes such as the Agri-Food Pilot and Start-up Visa Program.

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, attention is shifting toward the next phase of freedom – one defined not just by political sovereignty but by economic and industrial self-reliance. In the transport sector, NEV Electric Ltd is emerging as a key player shaping that vision, using local manufacturing and clean energy to solve Nigeria’s mass transit challenges.

For decades, Nigeria’s public transport system has relied heavily on imported vehicles and fossil fuels, exposing citizens to fuel price shocks and rising costs. NEV Electric is changing that narrative through an integrated model that combines local assembly, increasing local content manufacturing, and sustainable infrastructure deployment.

The company currently builds its electric buses with 30% local content, incorporating Nigerian components, materials, and labor, with a clear roadmap to reach 70% local content as domestic supply chains expand. This strategy ensures more value remains within the economy, fueling industrial growth, job creation, and technology transfer.

‘True independence means being able to design, build, and power what we need with our own hands,’ says Mosope Olaosebikan, Founder of NEV Electric. ‘We’re not just assembling buses; we’re building Nigeria’s transport future – powered by clean energy, local innovation, and sustainable systems.’

So far, NEV Electric has assembled over 120 electric buses in-country, with plans to scale up to 300 units in its next production phase. The company is also deploying 160kW high-capacity fast chargers across Abuja and Lagos – the largest in Nigeria – to support fleet operations and reduce range anxiety for operators.

To make electric mobility affordable, NEV Electric has introduced a Pay-As-You-Drive financing model that enables transport operators and state agencies to adopt EVs without heavy upfront capital. The plan bundles access to the bus, charging, maintenance, and battery into one predictable payment, ensuring smooth fleet transition and easier adoption.

Beyond vehicles, NEV Electric is investing in training programs for Nigerian engineers and technicians in EV assembly, maintenance, and conversion – empowering a new generation of green-skilled workers.

Aligned with Nigeria’s industrialization goals, NEV Electric is positioning the country as a regional hub for electric mobility. The company’s vision extends beyond Nigeria, with plans underway to export its electric buses and technology solutions to other African markets, contributing to the continent’s clean mobility transition.

By integrating local manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and innovative financing, NEV Electric is delivering a homegrown solution to Nigeria’s urban transport needs – one that reduces emissions, lowers operating costs, and builds local capacity.

As the country looks toward a more sustainable future, NEV Electric represents the promise of a new kind of independence – powered by Nigerians, built in Nigeria, and soon exported to Africa.

‘Every bus we build is a statement of what’s possible,’ Olaosebikan says. ‘We’re proving that Nigeria can lead Africa’s clean mobility revolution – not by importing the future, but by building it.’

Africacomicade, Africa’s leading catalyst for the immersive and interactive media industry, has announced the sixth edition of Gamathon Nigeria 2025, the flagship event of its continental tour, set to hold in Lagos.

The convention will also debut a $30,000 fund dedicated to supporting African game developers, highlighting its role as a launchpad for industry growth.

The gathering, themed ‘Bridge’, is being positioned as the continent’s most important platform for video games, extended reality (XR), animation, and digital creative industries. Organisers say the event will not only connect Africa’s innovators with investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, but also channel new funding opportunities, including the $30,000 Android Game Development Program, to help position African youth as creators in the fast-growing global digital economy.

Building on regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa earlier this year, the Nigeria edition, the flagship event and grand finale of this year’s continental tour, will take place in Lagos from September 29 to October 4, 2025, and is expected to consolidate the movement into one transformative week.

‘The regional tours in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have demonstrated the immense talent and potential across our continent,’ said Michael Oscar, Founder of Africacomicade. He said the event would help unlock new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, investment, and youth empowerment.

Alongside the $30,000 development fund, the convention will feature the unveiling of new titles such as Relooted and the introduction of promising studios like Cregon Studios and the official launch of games from the Android Port Challenge, backed by Google.

In addition, the convention will award winners from the Sanlam Alliance Challenge and a special showcase of Tossdown, the recently published hit game, in an exclusive version. The event addresses a critical market opportunity as Africa’s gaming and creative tech sectors experience growth. With the continent poised to contribute significantly to the next billion digital consumers globally, Gamathon 2025 focuses on positioning African youth as creators rather than merely consumers.

‘The next billion players are coming from the continent,’ emphasised Oscar. ‘It’s crucial to position our youth as creators to ensure a sustainable future for our society and economy.’

Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State has described the action of the state’s commissioner of police, pulling out of the March Pass ceremony marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, as an indiscretion and an affront to national unity.

Addressing crowds that gathered to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Sani Abacha Stadium venue of the ceremony, Abba accused the state commissioner, Ibrahim Adamu Bako, of deliberately withdrawing officers from the celebration, a move he said has embarrassed the state.

‘As you can see, on this historic and independent anniversary of Nigeria, he decided to pull out of the parade along with his own personnel.

‘This is for reasons pertinent to him and pertinent to his people. Let me say that Kano State’s Chief Security Officer, on behalf of the government, are not happy with this attitude of the Commissioner of Police.’, Governor Abba said. The governor’s remarks, made at the climax of the ceremony, underscored the fragile relationship between state officials and federal security institutions in Nigeria, where police commissioners report to the federal government rather than to governors, even though governors are constitutionally designated as their states’ ‘chief security officers.’ Abba accused the police of partisanship and warned that their absence risked undermining public trust in law enforcement.

‘Security agencies, in Kano in particular, shouldn’t be involving themselves in partisan politics, which will do no good to all of us in Kano State and in Nigeria, of course,’ he said. ‘I would like to seize this opportunity as a Nigerian, as a Kano citizen, and as the Chief Security Officer of Kano State, to condemn the unethical and partisan attitude of the current Commissioner of Police.

‘Today, every Nigerian is happy to celebrate the independence of this country,’ he said. ‘The good people of Kano are peace-loving people. They have been looking for this day, when we all gather here, to celebrate the independence of our country’, the Governor further stated.

He further described the commissioner’s last-minute decision to withdraw as politically motivated. ‘When our rights are written today in court, yet the Commissioner of Police decided to withdraw at the last minute,’ Mr Yusuf said. ‘This is unethical. This is disloyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

In concluding his address, Governor Abba commended other security agencies for attending. He emphasised his displeasure that the police, a central figure in such ceremonies, had absented themselves.

Heliconia Park has officially opened the doors of its newest and third destination, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort. The launch is said to mark a significant milestone for the brand, bringing a new standard of hospitality, lifestyle, and leisure to Port Harcourt.

According to the owners, guided by a vision that blends refined elegance with tailored experiences, the resort is said to reaffirm Heliconia Park’s mission to deliver secure, stylish, and welcoming spaces for both business and leisure guests.

Set within the quiet Intels Camp, Aba Road Estate, the resort says it is designed to be more than a place to stay.

With a golf course, and stylish suites the hotel combines Italian sophistication with African warmth, fine dining restaurants that are said to celebrate global and local cuisines, swing pool, tennis court, squash amidst sumptuous green areas, the Port Harcourt resort is seen as a destination where comfort meets timeless elegance, and every detail has been created to welcome guests with warmth and a sense of belonging, according to the promoters.

Speaking at the launch, Pasquale Fiore, the CEO of Heliconia Park, said: ‘This is not just another hotel. This is a destination and a home for excellence. Port Harcourt has long been a hub of energy, commerce, and culture, and by investing here we reaffirm our commitment to this city, its people, and its future. Heliconia Park was founded on the belief that true luxury is welcoming, personal, and tailored, and this resort embodies that very spirit.’

He went on: ‘We started Heliconia Park in 2022 with the opening of its first hotel in Port Harcourt, followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2024, officially inaugurated in February 2025. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey in Nigeria, each chapter reflecting a vision of fine hospitality rooted in excellence, inspired by culture, and crafted with timeless standards of service.’

Also speaking at the event, Mike Epelle, Director at Heliconia Park, remarked: ‘The arrival of Heliconia Park Hotel and Golf Resort is a welcome addition to Port Harcourt. It reflects the city’s growing appeal as both a business and leisure hub, and we are proud to see such an investment that will not only elevate hospitality standards but also contribute to local tourism and economic growth.’

The launch of the Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort underscores Heliconia Park’s philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury,’ where prestige meets comfort and every guest feels both valued and at home. It is also a powerful reaffirmation of the brand’s growth journey, from its beginnings in Port Harcourt, to Lagos, and now back to the Garden City with a bold new resort, positioning Heliconia Park as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic luxury hospitality brands.

Heliconia Park is indicated as a home-grown Nigerian luxury hospitality brand redefining the guest experience with secure, stylish destinations, guided by its philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury.’ Founded in 2022 with the launch of Heliconia Park Hotel and Suites in Port Harcourt, the brand says it has has since expanded with the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2025 and now celebrates its third branch, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort.

It is located within the prestigious INTELS Aba Road Estate, the resort is both a retreat and a lifestyle destination. With event facilities, fine dining, pools, tennis courts, and a golf course, it reflects Heliconia Park’s mission to create elevated spaces and warm service where every guest feels at home.

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has been honoured with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) in New York.

The award, founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, recognises leaders who promote peace, coexistence, and economic empowerment. Elumelu’s wife, Awele Elumelu, received the award on his behalf and delivered his acceptance remarks at the gala.

In his speech, Elumelu dedicated the award to colleagues recently lost in a tragic incident, and to young African entrepreneurs supported through his foundation. ‘Before all else, I wish to honour their memories with a moment of silence.’

Elumelu, founder of Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasised his philosophy of Africapitalism, the belief that the private sector plays a critical role in driving inclusive growth.

He noted that his businesses employ more than 40,000 people globally, including through UBA, which operates in New York.

‘Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a personal commitment we made in 2010, we have identified, trained, mentored, and provided over USD100million in seed funding to over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.’

‘By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, we are combating the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity,’ he said. Elumelu added that there’s more to be done. Thus, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation award not only strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact, but it is a call out for collaboration with those who share similar values.

The 2025 ceremony also honoured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

Rabbi Schneier, founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, praised Elumelu as ‘a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.’

‘Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action,’ he added.

Brian Moynihan, chair and CEO of Bank of America and Gala Chair, described the honourees as embodiments of moral leadership.

He said, ‘The Appeal of Conscience Foundation has chosen to honour Tony Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify the moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for. Their works in faith, community, and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.’

The Nigerian government has promised to enhance teachers’ welfare, elevate the public perception of the teaching profession, and address other key challenges affecting educators nationwide, in a renewed effort to revamp the education sector.

The move aims to boost morale, and professional support of teachers across the country as the educators joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.

Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Tuesday, September 30, during a symposium in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day billed for Sunday, October 5, in the company of Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education. Alausa applauded Nigerian teachers, describing them as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

The minister stressed that teachers remain the foundation of every profession.

‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor, an engineer and/or a professor? It is the teacher.

‘That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel,’ he said.

Besides, Alausa emphasised the need for teamwork and networking in modern teaching. ‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. ‘They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility,’ he stressed.

Moreover, he reassured teachers of the government’s support, acknowledgement, and training.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, you need a high-quality teacher. When you want a high-quality teacher, you give teachers the recognition, support, training, and the cooperation they need,’ he said. The minister commended Nigerian teachers’ global impact, stressing that anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. And this, he said is the output of Nigerian teachers’ work.

‘We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ he stated.

The global theme for the 2025 edition is ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’

World Teachers’ Day was first proclaimed in 1994 by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF.

It is celebrated annually to honour teachers and highlight their vital role in shaping education and society.