Category: Business Day

Building lasting wealth is rarely a matter of luck. Among the world’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals, financial success stems from deliberate choices, long-term discipline, and a distinct mindset about money.

Beyond private jets, lavish homes, and vast portfolios, what truly sets the ultra-wealthy apart is how they think about money. Their decisions are driven by vision, purpose, and confidence in the wealth-building process From compounding returns to calculated risk-taking, their approach offers valuable lessons for everyday investors.

Here are the eight investing lessons from the world’s ultra-rich, compiled by Rediff.

Wealth creation begins with a growth mind-set

Most ultra-wealthy individuals built their fortunes from the ground up. Many are first-generation entrepreneurs, business owners, or professionals who expanded their income through consistent effort and reinvestment. Their success stems from a growth-oriented outlook. They understand that wealth is not created overnight but developed through sustained discipline and execution. The principle that guides them is clear: financial growth begins with how one thinks about opportunity and effort.

Compounding is more than just a formula

For the ultra-rich, compounding is not a mathematical concept but a core belief. They allow their investments to grow uninterrupted, resisting the urge to withdraw funds during market corrections. By giving them the chance to work, they benefit from exponential growth. This patience shapes their preference for long-term equities, private equity, and structured products that reward consistent holding. Their approach is defined by stability and scalability rather than short-term gains. Smart risk-taking as a wealth-building strategy

Wealthy investors are not afraid of risk, but they do not take it blindly. They evaluate potential downsides, expected returns, and market trends before committing. Early-stage start-ups, international real estate, or emerging industries often feature in their portfolios, but only after extensive due diligence and consultation with experts. Their risk-taking is informed and aligned with clear financial objectives, turning uncertainty into opportunity. The value of flexibility

One of the advantages the ultra-rich hold is agility. Free from institutional mandates, they can shift capital quickly when conditions change. If equity markets appear overheated, funds are reallocated to private debt, real estate, or alternative assets such as fine art. Many have also been early adopters of new investment areas, including Blockchain infrastructure and sustainability-focused funds. This ability to move decisively helps them stay ahead of market transitions. Thinking in decades, not just years

Ultra-wealthy investors view wealth through a generational lens. Their planning often spans decades, with structures such as family offices, trusts, and tax-efficient vehicles established to preserve assets across generations. Every investment decision is guided by the principle of endurance. They recognise that while markets fluctuate, a sound long-term strategy can sustain growth over time.

Managing underperformance with discipline

The long-term focus of wealthy investors does not mean they tolerate poor results. Underperformance is met with scrutiny and adjustment. They conduct regular portfolio reviews, relying on performance data and expert analysis to ensure each asset contributes effectively. This level of discipline ensures that capital remains productive, with no room for complacency. Managing emotional biases

Even the rich are not free from emotional bias. Overconfidence, familiarity bias, and fear of loss affect all investors. However, many UHNW individuals work closely with advisors who challenge their assumptions and provide perspective. This approach helps reduce emotional decision-making and maintains alignment with long-term objectives. A willingness to listen and adapt is often as important as financial expertise.

Lessons for everyday investors

The habits of the ultra-rich offer lessons that can be applied by investors at every level. Thinking long-term, focusing on quality assets, taking calculated risks, remaining flexible, and seeking diverse opinions are principles that build resilience.

Wealth creation is not confined to those with large sums to invest. It begins with the right mindset, patience, and a structured approach to decision-making. By applying these principles consistently, investors can build portfolios designed to grow and endure beyond a single generation.

As the world rapidly adopts artificial intelligence (AI) to transform education, Africa cannot afford to be left behind. Nigeria, with its large population, growing tech ecosystem, and youthful demographic, is uniquely positioned to lead this charge.

By integrating AI into its education system, Nigeria has the potential not only to revolutionise learning outcomes at home but also to set the pace for the rest of the continent, and the time to lead is now!

Nigeria’s young, hungry, and digitally-native creators is a huge advantage in this. Obviously, the country’s music, films, fashion, and ‘soft power’ is already a global force.

Nigeria’s entertainment industry has rapidly evolved over the years, becoming a major player not only in Africa but also on the global stage. From Nollywood to music, fashion, and more, this article will delve into the exciting world of Nigeria’s top entertainment industry sectors.

Nollywood, often referred to as the third-largest film industry in the world, is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s entertainment scene. Renowned for producing thousands of movies annually, it boasts an enormous global fan base. From thrilling blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas, Nollywood continues to capture hearts with its storytelling prowess.

According to Ibrahim Adeyanju, the CEO at Galaxy Backbone Limited, Nigeria must channel its creative energy into building digital public goods and global tech giants.

‘Nigeria, as a country in Africa, understands complexity. We are resilient, and we are entrepreneurial by necessity.

‘These are the very skills needed to thrive in the AI age. We can build AI that is contextual, empathetic, and solves real-world problems,’ he said.

Adeyanju, however, emphasised for the country to lead the charge, it must prepare its workforce for this new reality by shifting from a knowledge-based education model to a skills-based one, fostering lifelong learning and continuous adaptation.

‘The evolving work landscape is characterised by a progression from traditional work, to AI augmentation, to skills-based education, and ultimately to a future where human attributes and the symbiotic relationship with AI take centre stage,’ he noted.

Sarumi Oyewole, a faculty head at ICLED Business School, speaking on tech in education, said, ‘AI is an opportunity we can benefit from. The question is not whether AI will impact education, but how we’re going to optimise the innovation.

‘We need to shift our perspective of seeing AI as a threat to seeing it as a tool.’

The future of education in the AI age is a fundamental shift from a model of knowledge transmission to one of skill and character cultivation.

Adeyanju describes the AI age as a move from ‘what to learn’ to ‘how to think and who to become. Education, he said, will no longer be about accumulating information, but a shift from knowing to understanding, applying, and creating. Changing classroom: From lecture hall to collaborative studio

With AI integration into education, the traditional classroom is evolving, and Nigeria must be deliberate in equipping schools for the tech-world in education.

There is a great need to train and retrain teachers and equip them for digital education. Adeyanju emphasised that with AI, the physical and virtual classroom will be transformed.

‘The teacher’s role evolves from a dispenser of knowledge to a ‘Coach on the Side,’ a facilitator, and a mentor.

‘They will guide students in critical thinking, projects, and ethical reasoning,’ he said.

To address this AI challenge, the CEO of Galaxy Backbone reiterated that the curriculum of the future will be built around skills that AI complements but cannot replicate.

We can think of this as the human skills curriculum, critical thinking and problem formulation; that is the ability to ask the right questions is more valuable than knowing the right answers.

Education will teach students to challenge assumptions, identify biases in AI outputs, and define problems in a messy, real-world context.

The most important skill will be the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn throughout one’s entire life.

Peter Ejiofor, the chief executive officer at Ethnos IT Solutions Limited calls on African leaders to embrace the digital economy which according to him is the way forward in this contemporary era.

‘AI improves delivery of services through tech, and it is something that everybody should look into; it is a good thing that African countries should look into it,’ he said.

A look at the African AI Index shows Egypt is the country that is making the most rapid progress in AI development, with its position of 52nd worldwide. Morocco holds the 57th position globally and ranked the 4th in Africa; following Egypt, South Africa and Tunisia.

For Nigeria to be able to compete with its contemporaries in Africa, Bala Hassan, the managing director at Learn Africa Plc, said the government must be deliberate in improving infrastructure for online learning.

‘The government need to improve on infrastructure because the key challenges in accessing e-contents is power and bandwidths, these are the areas the government needs to come in,’ he said.

Adesola Jimmy-Eboma, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Small-Scale Enterprise (SSE Lab), has concluded plans to host the second edition of the MBA Business showers to celebrate the cohort 2 graduands and heightened conversation on the role of MSMEs in the Nigerian Economy.

The event, tagged ‘Innovation. Inclusion. Impact: Redefining MSMEs in the Nigerian Economy is scheduled to hold on Thursday October 30th, 2025 at Radisson Blu Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos and will have keynote addresses delivered by Charles Odii, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDAN, and Esther Obiekwe, the Group Head, Retail and SME Banking at NOVA Bank.

The event will have a fireside chat session that will feature Bunmi Kola-Dawodu, State Manager, SMEDAN; Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Marketing and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc; Afolabi Solebo, General Manager, LASCOPA; Ayomide Funmilayo Olofinjana, Founder and CEO, Florence Richards Africa; and Adanna Uche, Founder and CEO, Ady’s Agro Processing Ltd. The session will be moderated by the Founder of Moore organics, Mrs. Adebisi Odeleye.

Highlighting the expectation from the MBA Cohort 2 program, Jimmy-Eboma noted that ‘The participant at this year’s edition will examine the role of policymakers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on the need to collaborate and unlock finances, strengthening quality and consumer protection, and accelerate international competitiveness.

According to Adesola, ‘Nigeria has enormous potential locked within her people. If every state intentionally develops its local resources into finished goods by turning cassava into packaged flour, hibiscus into export tea, and shea butter into global beauty products, we can transform our economic narrative.

‘The MBA Business Showers has rapidly become a leading platform spotlighting innovation and entrepreneurial excellence in Nigeria’s small-scale manufacturing sector. Powered by SSE Lab, the initiative bridges the gap between vision and venture by equipping founders with practical structure, market-ready knowledge, and strategic support to thrive in today’s dynamic economy.

‘The Manufacturing Business Accelerator (MBA) is a 90-day intensive transformation program tailored for product-based founders and micro-manufacturers. Over three months, participants progress through a disciplined pathway of conceptualisation, product validation, branding, packaging, regulatory compliance, and market launch, transforming raw ideas into proudly made-in-Nigeria brands capable of competing globally.

‘Through the MBA Business Shower, we have built entrepreneurs who can make vision real because we have seen ordinary individuals like; traders, artisans, and dreamers become structured, compliant, export-ready businesses within 90 days. This is a statement of possibility’. She stated. Adesola noted that, ‘The MBA Graduation and Business Showcase will see Cohort 2 entrepreneurs present their market-ready brands, share their journey through the accelerator, and unveil products across food processing, lifestyle, beauty, and wellness. This is evidence of the creative resilience powering Nigeria’s emerging manufacturing community.

Her words ‘The MBA Business Showers is more than a graduation ceremony as what we are witnessing is a new generation of entrepreneurs who believe in the power of Nigerian resources, Nigerian creativity, and Nigerian excellence.

‘Guests will experience the Innovation Showcase and Market Walk, an interactive exhibition where attendees can sample products, meet founders, and explore investment and partnership opportunities alongside development agencies, private investors, and the media’. She added.

Speaking on the next phase of the project, Adesola stated that, ‘the launch of the MBA 3 tagged ‘The Next Frontier.’ will be unveiled at the event venue noting that the segment will introduce the new accelerator cycle with expanded mentorship, financial literacy, and business development opportunities.

She urged Interested entrepreneurs to apply on-site via QR codes and dedicated registration booths while mentorship and scholarship slots will be announced in due course.

The MBA Business Showers embodies SSE Lab’s belief that small-scale manufacturers are not merely participants in Nigeria’s economy but the backbone of its transformation. By providing structure, mentorship, and market access, the program positions MSMEs as engines of innovation, job creation, and export diversification.

The 2025 edition is set to be both celebratory and catalytic-a vibrant platform for dialogue, connection, and inspiration that advances what it means to build, sustain, and scale a business in Nigeria’s evolving landscape.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that he once turned down a proposal to endorse former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as his successor at the end of his administration in 2007, saying the former minister was not mature enough at the time to lead Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the second edition of the Ajibosin Platform Annual Symposium, Obasanjo recounted how the idea was first suggested by Osita Chidoka, who later served as Minister of Aviation. According to Obasanjo, Chidoka had recommended El-Rufai as the right candidate to continue his reformist legacy, but the former president said he declined the suggestion after assessing El-Rufai’s disposition and leadership readiness.

‘I looked at him (El-Rufai) and told Osita, ‘Not yet,” Obasanjo said. ‘I didn’t think he was ready at that time to handle the complexities of governing a country like Nigeria.’

Obasanjo’s remarks have reignited discussions about the behind-the-scenes succession battles that shaped Nigeria’s political landscape toward the end of his two-term presidency between 1999 and 2007. During that period, the search for a successor was intense, as Obasanjo’s administration had been marked by sweeping reforms, privatisation efforts, and internal political maneuverings within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Nasir El-Rufai, who served under Obasanjo first as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) and later as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was widely seen as one of the president’s most trusted technocrats. His tenure at the BPE was notable for spearheading key privatisation initiatives, while his work as FCT minister drew both praise and controversy for his aggressive urban renewal policies in Abuja.

Despite his reputation for efficiency and discipline, Obasanjo said he believed El-Rufai needed more time to grow politically and emotionally before taking on the nation’s top job. The former president added that leadership at the national level required not only competence but also ‘a deep sense of balance, maturity, and tolerance.’ ‘Leadership is more than intellect or boldness,’ Obasanjo said. ‘It is about character, patience, and the ability to accommodate others, even those who disagree with you.’

Political observers see Obasanjo’s latest revelation as part of his continuing effort to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and his own legacy in shaping the country’s political leadership. The former president has often been outspoken about governance, accountability, and the qualities required of leaders.

El-Rufai, who later became governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has yet to respond publicly to Obasanjo’s comments. However, his political career since leaving the federal cabinet has remained one of the most dynamic in Nigerian politics marked by both bold policy reforms and sharp controversies.

From streetwear to ready to-wear menswear and womenswear, accessories, and leather goods, each piece on display at the Lagos x Paris’ pop-up store reflected the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of the Nigerian fashion scene.

Whether you’re searching for bold street style, sophisticated womenswear, or elegant leather goods, there’s something to capture every visitor’s imagination at the recently concluded Forum Création Africa.

Organised by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with MansA – Maison des Mondes Africains in charge of editorial and artistic direction, the Forum Création Africa provided a unique platform for dialogue and experimentation, where the stories and economic models of tomorrow emerge.

Held at Federal Palace Hotel Lagos, the pop-up store was also enhanced by showcasing some of the pieces digitally in virtual reality, through a collaboration with Nigerian project Astra: a gamified virtual world for fashion retail.

The Lagos X Paris Pop-Up presents a carefully curated selection of brands that have participated in the prestigious LAGOS x PARIS – Fashion and Design Accelerator Programme.

This programme with a 360° curriculum, lasting 9 months to 1 year, brings together the best of French and Nigerian expertise, fostering sustainable growth for the selected Nigerian fashion and design brands and propelling them internationally.

The initiative, launched and developed by the French Embassy in Nigeria in 2023 under the Création Africa Fund, has successfully gathered, trained, and nurtured some of the most promising fashion and design brands from Nigeria across two editions. Mathilde Lepert, Programme Manager for the Lagos X Paris Fashion and Design Accelerator, highlighted the significance of the pop-up store, saying, ‘The Lagos X Paris pop-up store is a curated selection of 16 Nigerian brands that took part in the Lagos X Paris Fashion Accelerator programme, financed by the French Embassy through the Creation Africa Fund. We are part of the Creation Africa family, and that’s why we are here in the Creation Africa Forum, showcasing Nigerian brands to an international audience and offering them the opportunity to purchase Nigerian products and take home a piece of Nigerian culture.’

Lepert emphasized the benefits of the Accelerator programme, which provided intense training sessions, masterclasses, and workshops with international experts.

‘The programme helps brands structure their businesses, position themselves in the market, and pitch their brands to investors. It’s a comprehensive programme that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global fashion industry.’

Austin Aimankhu, fashion designer and founder of Wear Nigeria, a Fashion Arts Festival celebrating Nigeria’s vibrant textile and cultural diversity, represented the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Industry at the Forum Création Africa.

Aimankhu showcased his collection, which featured a fusion of traditional Nigerian textiles, saying, ‘We have guests from all over Africa and Europe, and we’re here to showcase our fashion aesthetics, our textiles, and our cultural heritage. My collection features a mix of Akwete from the East, Ashoke, and other traditional textiles from the middle belts. We’re fusing these textiles to create contemporary designs that reflect our cultural identity.’

He emphasised the importance of promoting Nigerian fashion and textiles, saying, ‘We’re here to showcase our aesthetics, to share our story, and to demonstrate the richness of Nigerian textiles. Our advocacy has been strong, and we’re proud to be part of this movement to promote Nigerian fashion and culture.’

The pop-up store featured a diverse range of brands, including Waf. (Streetwear), Elexiay (Womenswear), Refine (Jewelry), Pepper Row (Womenswear), AABOUX (Bags), Maliko (Shoes and Bags) Y’Wande (Womenswear), Aga Culture (Womenswear), Aminda (Womenswear), Babayo (Womenswear), Omi Collective (Design), Eki Kere (Womenswear and Menswear), Pith (Streetwear), NYA (Womenswear), and Obida (Womenswear and Menswear), amongst others.

Our father had always been sickly, so the burden of caring for our family of five rested heavily on our mother, a petty trader. Mama was determined to give us a good life, even if it meant working herself to the bone.

Her business thrived for a while, but when it began to tell on her health, my younger brother, Gbemi, the last born and only son, made a decision that shocked everyone. Gbemi was one of the most selfless humans I’ve ever known. He quit school to help Mama.

He was brilliant-the best student in his class. But he said he didn’t need an education to be successful. We all pleaded with him to reconsider, but his mind was made up.

When he joined Mama in business, everything changed. Gbemi brought in fresh ideas and innovation. Mama was old-fashioned, but she eventually yielded to his modern methods. Within months, sales multiplied, and she was able to employ two extra hands.

Outside of business, Gbemi poured himself into music. He had always played the keyboard in church, but now he took it seriously, taking online lessons and performing at events. Before long, he was producing music for known artistes, going on tours and gaining recognition.

Gbemi became the pride of our family. He promised to change our lives, and he did. The poverty that once shadowed us disappeared. People who once pitied us now looked on in awe. Rumours spread that Gbemi’s wealth came from fraud, but his hard work and success silenced their gossip.

With money came better care for Papa. The treatment we could now afford prolonged his life far beyond what the doctors expected. When he eventually passed, our hearts were heavy, but we were at peace knowing we had done our best.

Papa’s burial was planned swiftly just as he had wished. Gbemi, who had been away, was flying home for the funeral. He called to say he had landed safely and even did a video call from the car. But minutes later, the unthinkable happened.

A call came in-there had been an accident. His driver had rammed into a broken-down trailer. The impact was fatal. Gbemi died instantly. He hadn’t been wearing his seatbelt. His driver passed on days later.

It felt as though life had been snuffed out of our family. The pain was unbearable. Mama was inconsolable. Watching her weep was like watching a candle melt in slow motion. Grief engulfed our home. The laughter, the music, the life Gbemi brought-all gone.

A week later, we buried him beside Papa. Father and son, side by side. That day, Mama could barely stand. Her blood pressure kept fluctuating. The once vibrant woman grew frail, and six months later, she suffered a stroke in her sleep. She never woke up.

Another round of grief hit us like a storm. Only Kemi and I were left now-just the two of us, two sisters holding each other up. Kemi, being the eldest, had to shoulder the weight of everything: her 9-to-5 job, caring for me and keeping Mama’s business from collapsing.

She worked tirelessly until she made a bold decision-she quit her office job to focus fully on the family business. That decision changed everything. The business grew rapidly. Within a few years, Kemi expanded, opening six branches across the country. She began travelling abroad to buy goods, and I worked alongside her. Together, we built an empire while also building our own families.

It was beautiful to watch, but one strange mystery haunted us for years.

Long before Gbemi died, he used to send us monthly allowances. Strangely, those alerts didn’t stop after his death. Month after month, money kept coming in-same date, same amount.. sometimes more, same reference. The bank couldn’t trace it. His old production company had no record of it. No one could explain it. But it never stopped.

Years later, while on a family trip to the UK, Kemi’s friend Lala invited her to a Christmas concert. Her friend had connections with the organisers, so they got front row seats. Everything was fine until a particular band came on stage to perform Christmas carols.

Kemi froze. The bandleader looked exactly like Gbemi. She said she felt her stomach turn. It couldn’t be. Her heart pounded as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing. He looked her way several times, and she said a chill ran down her spine.

Her friend Lala noticed her distress. Kemi whispered everything to her, but Lala brushed it off-‘It’s just a coincidence. People have lookalikes.’ Yet even Lala later admitted that the man’s constant glances toward their side were unnerving.

Kemi discreetly snapped a photo and sent it to me. Seconds later, I called her, screaming-‘That’s Gbemi!’

When the final song began, the lights went off, and everyone was asked to turn on their phone flashlights for Silent Night. Kemi and Lala planned to rush backstage once the lights came on. But when they got there, the man was gone.

The crew said he had stepped out to use the restroom during the final song, but he wasn’t there. When Kemi asked about him, they said his name was Leke. He had a wife and two daughters named Kemi and Aanu. Kemi’s knees gave way. The realisation hit her like a blow. She fainted.

Later, she met his wife, Nicole, who confirmed everything. Her husband’s full name was Gbemileke. He had told her his parents were dead, but often spoke lovingly of his two sisters in Nigeria-Kemi and Aanu. He even made monthly transfers to them..

Kemi was stunned. How did he know that Mama was dead? This was so unbelievable. It was happening like an out-of-body experience, but this was real.

Nicole was shattered. The man she loved, her husband and father of her daughters, was gone. Or maybe had never truly been here. She was devastated.

After that concert, there was no trace of ‘Leke.’ No one saw him again. His phone numbers stopped working, and his family was left confused and broken.

Kemi and I struggled to accept it. It was as though Gbemi had returned only to remind us that love never really dies, it just changes form.

Nicole eventually moved back to Nigeria with her daughters. We had grown close, bound by love, mystery and memory.

And though we may never understand what truly happened, every month without fail, that mysterious alert still comes in-just as it always has.

It feels like he just wants to remind us that he’s still watching. Still giving. Still keeping his promise.

One evening, Kemi received an email. It contained no words-just a link and a short message that read:

‘For my sisters that I love so much.’

We hesitated for hours before clicking it. When we finally did, a video opened. It was a live performance, an outdoor concert somewhere in Brazil. The camera panned across the stage, and there he was.

Gbemi. Older, broader, wearing dark shades, but unmistakably him. He was leading a band, singing in Portuguese.

And as the music swelled, he looked straight into the camera and smiled.

Kemi screamed. I froze. My hands trembled so badly I almost dropped the phone. We contacted the email, but it bounced back, and the video link vanished a few days later.

Then, one quiet night, I received a message from an unknown number on WhatsApp. It was a voice note. It was his voice.low and unmistakable:

‘Tell Kemi I kept my promise. I trust you both to look after my wife and kids. Aanu, some journeys are meant to be walked unseen.’

I sat there, tears streaming down my face. Before I could even replay it, the message deleted itself. The number disappeared.

I don’t know where Gbemi is now-but deep down, I know one thing for sure: He’s out there. Somewhere. Still watching. Still sending love across time and distance. Because some bonds are too strong for death to break.

As a child in Nigeria, Chinedum Victor knew what it meant to struggle for breath. Asthma attacks were a regular part of his life, and his parents often travelled long distances in search of rare medication.

Those experiences planted a seed that would later grow into a lifelong mission: making quality healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions.

The mission has never been more urgent. According to the World Health Organisation, more than 600 million Africans lack access to essential health services, while the World Bank estimates that 11 million people on the continent are pushed into poverty each year by out-of-pocket health expenses. In Nigeria, the government spends less than 4 percent of GDP on health, far below the global average of 10 percent. For many families, pharmacies are the first and only point of care, with McKinsey reporting that over 60 percent of Nigerian patients begin their healthcare journey at the community pharmacy.

It is this gap between need and access that Victor has dedicated his career to closing.

According to Victor, ‘Nigeria’s healthcare underfunding crisis, spending less than five percent of its GDP on health, is both a challenge and an opportunity. The truth is, the public sector alone cannot finance or deliver the scale of reform required. The private sector must step in not merely as a service provider, but as an ecosystem builder’

Today, he is the Chief of Staff at Purelife Health, a forward-thinking healthcare company reimagining community pharmacies as CareHub One-Minute Clinics. Under his leadership, the Purelife Health Model is transforming pharmacies into tech-enabled primary care centers that provide diagnostics, preventive education, and treatment bringing healthcare closer to underserved communities across Nigeria.

His journey began in 2016 at a small community pharmacy, where his patient-centered approach quickly distinguished him. He combined pharmaceutical expertise with marketing flair, elevating customer care and building trust in a sector where patients often feel neglected.

That foundation prepared him for a fast-rising career at Purelife, where he later spearheaded brand repositioning campaigns, digital platforms, and operational strategies that expanded access and boosted revenue. By 2024, Victor had helped secure an international $100,000 grant, and played a pivotal role in scaling Purelife’s Primary Healthcare Fulfillment Center model-a blueprint designed to integrate diagnostics, medication therapy, insurance, and digital health services on a single platform.

His innovative approach has already improved patient retention by nearly 50 percent while redefining how health brands build trust.

For Victor, these achievements are deeply personal. ‘As a child with asthma, I experienced first-hand how lack of access and poor communication can make patients suffer unnecessarily,’ he says.

‘That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to building systems that deliver care faster, smarter, and with empathy. I believe access shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right. And I’ve been deeply involved in designing and executing systems that address the three chronic ailments of our healthcare sector , fragmentation, inaccessibility, and inefficiency.

Beyond his corporate role, Victor is deeply engaged in community outreach. He mentors young professionals through Y.O.U.S, a mental health initiative that encourages open conversations around depression and emotional intelligence. He also advocates for aligning Nigeria’s healthcare transformation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

On fixing healthcare in Nigeria, Chinedum believes it requires more than building hospitals; it demands restructuring the system that supports them.

‘My role as Chief of Staff has allowed me to sit at the intersection of technology, operations, and strategy, orchestrating collaboration between our pharmacy chain, telehealth platform, diagnostic partners, and logistics networks to create a closed-loop healthcare ecosystem’

From organising the Mr. and Miss Medilag Pageant as a student, to leading corporate storytelling campaigns, to pushing the boundaries of digital health adoption, Victor’s path has always been guided by creativity, resilience, and integrity. His work today is not just about filling prescriptions; it’s about prescribing a new vision for healthcare in Africa, one where innovation meets empathy, and where no child has to experience what he once did.

Following a successful debut in Abuja, The Body Shop Nigeria is set to make a bigger impact with its official expansion into Lagos, Africa’s most vibrant and trendsetting city.

Known as Nigeria’s commercial and cultural heartbeat, Lagos offers the perfect home for the UK’s most iconic ethical beauty brand.

With its thriving mix of creativity, ambition, and cultural energy, Lagos provides fertile ground for The Body Shop’s mission to inspire self-love, celebrate diversity, and promote beauty with purpose.

The expansion will see the opening of two flagship stores, at Ikeja City Mall and Circle Mall, Lekki, further strengthening the brand’s commitment to bringing cruelty-free, sustainably sourced, and community-driven beauty products closer to Nigerian consumers.

To mark the occasion, The Body Shop Nigeria hosted an exclusive VIP Reception on October 23, 2025, at the British High Commissioner’s residence, celebrating the brand’s arrival in Lagos.

The following day, October 24, 2025, saw the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at The Body Shop’s new store at Ikeja City Mall, where Lagosians can finally experience the brand’s iconic range in person. The second Lagos store, located at Circle Mall, Lekki, is set to open in November 2025. It will cater to Lagos’s fashion-forward, socially conscious consumers while serving as The Body Shop’s national distribution hub, ensuring accessible, premium service across the country.

Speaking on the expansion, Shalom Lloyd MBE, General Manager of The Body Shop Nigeria, said:

‘Lagos has been calling, and we have answered. Following our successful entry into Abuja, expanding to Lagos, the cultural and economic heartbeat of Nigeria, is a natural next step. We are not just opening stores; we are joining a movement. We are here to inspire self-love, celebrate diversity, and stand for ethical beauty in a city that truly embodies our brand spirit.’

Reinforcing this commitment, Edward Nnadi, CEO of Jean Edwards Group, added: ‘Our expansion into Lagos represents our deep commitment to bridging cultures, driving ethical business, and celebrating community.

‘The Body Shop’s arrival in Lagos isn’t just a business move, it’s a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and beauty with purpose.’

Founded by the visionary Anita Roddick, the Body Shop has always been more than a beauty brand; it is a global force for good, pioneering ethical beauty through cruelty-free and sustainably sourced products. The Lagos launch builds on this powerful legacy, creating a space where consumers can experience beauty that looks good, feels good, and does good.

Customer retention has emerged as perhaps the defining challenge for contemporary banks. In previous generations, switching financial institutions involved considerable friction-physically transferring accounts, establishing new relationships, and navigating unfamiliar systems.

Today, customers can open accounts on smartphones in minutes, compare offerings across dozens of providers instantly, and migrate their banking relationships with minimal effort. The barriers that once trapped customers in unsatisfying relationships have largely dissolved.

Priscilla Nwachukwu, a financial service expert, has developed a comprehensive conceptual framework that examines how relationship management models in banking influence customer retention amid these transformed conditions.

The research integrates traditional relationship marketing principles with modern technological enablers, including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and sophisticated CRM systems, while also considering the behavioural, psychological, and socio-economic dimensions of customer-bank interactions.

The framework highlights key drivers that determine whether customers remain loyal or defect to competitors: trust, service quality, personalization, communication, and perceived value. Nwachukwu demonstrates how banks can strategically align relationship management practices with customer-centric objectives by attending carefully to each of these dimensions.

‘Trust extends beyond security of deposits to encompass confidence that the institution acts in customers’ best interests. Service quality involves not just error-free transactions but responsiveness to problems and accessibility when customers need assistance,’ Nwachukwu said

This Examination, according to her, explores how omnichannel engagement, financial inclusion strategies, and ethical practices reinforce long-term relationships.

‘Banks increasingly serve customers who expect seamless experiences across digital and physical channels, who value institutional commitments to serving underbanked populations, and who scrutinise whether financial providers uphold ethical standards in their operations and advocacy.’ Nwachukwu argues that these expectations reflect broader societal shifts in how customers evaluate businesses and make loyalty decisions.

The research draws insights from cross-sectional perspectives of retail and corporate banking, demonstrating how relationship management models must adapt to diverse customer needs.

The research shows that a retail customer seeking a mortgage requires different engagement approaches than a corporate treasurer managing working capital lines, while both relationships rest on similar foundations of trust, communication, and value creation.

The research also acknowledges substantial challenges confronting banks attempting to strengthen customer retention.

‘High customer switching costs that once provided competitive moats have eroded. Financial technology alternatives offer specialised services-payments, lending, investing-often with superior user experiences and lower fees. Regulatory compliance demands attention and resources that might otherwise support relationship-building initiatives. Each of these pressures requires adaptive strategies that balance efficiency with engagement.’

The framework emphasises that customer retention in banking represents not merely an outcome of transactional satisfaction but rather the result of holistic relationship quality nurtured over time. A customer who receives flawless transaction processing but feels anonymous and undervalued may still depart when a competitor offers marginally better terms. Conversely, a customer who experiences occasional service hiccups but feels genuinely known and supported by their institution often demonstrates remarkable loyalty even when alternatives exist.

Nwachukwu positions effective relationship management models as vital tools for banks seeking sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly customer-driven marketplace.

As banking continues its digital transformation, her work suggests that the institutions thriving will be those that recognise technology as a means to deepen human relationships rather than replace them.

Manchester United recorded their third consecutive Premier League win after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Bryan Mbeumo scored twice as Red Devils finally ended their poor run against the Seagulls, who had won six of their previous seven league meetings.

Matheus Cunha and Casemiro were also on target to hand Ruben Amorim’s side a much-needed boost in their push for the top four. Cunha opened his United account with a stunning 20-yard strike before Casemiro’s deflected shot doubled the lead.

Mbeumo made it 3-0 shortly after the break, but Brighton hit back through Danny Welbeck’s free-kick and a stoppage-time header from Charalampos Kostoulas to set up a tense finale.

Man United, however, held firm, and Mbeumo’s late second sealed the win, confirming a third straight victory for Amorim’s improving side.