Category: Business Day

On October 10, 2025, ‘Sanya’, a novel by Oyin Olugbile, won The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025. The book was adjudged winner among other two shortlist titles for the award because of Olugbile’s mythology retelling approach, her distinct and daring for casting Sango as a female and for the projection of Yoruba mythology through a story that captivates and meanders into a fantastical world.

In this interview, the author shares with Obinna Emelike, her joy as a winner, the impact on her writing career, the story behind the novel, writing technicalities, experience with publishers, the message, among others.

Except:

Why the mystical storyline?

I decided to write about Orunmila for the obvious reasons because you cannot talk about Sango without talking about all of those ones. But you can talk about Sango without talking about Ogun. Both have similarities but are also quite different at some point.

What is the story behind the book?

I wouldn’t know what you are thinking that I probably went to somewhere like a shrine and then I started thinking about the book. No.

Oftentimes people say knowledge stays with us, but then, sometimes knowledge comes in the form of a seat that you do not even know is there.

So, there is that general knowledge that I acquired whilst at the University of Lagos studying Theatre Arts because we all definitely will go through all of these gods that people act stage plays on them and that was the knowledge for me.

After that, I had nothing to do with the arts. I went into social impacts and then became a consultant for education foundations or education grants and things like that.

So, there was this particular person who came from America and she wanted to do something on child abuse. This is very wild and strange. She wanted to start a foundation on child abuse basically and I was the chief consultant on the project. But the thing with me is that I would not consult on a project without doing research on it. So, coincidentally I was doing some research on education and things like that and somehow this curious mind of mine went to Orunmila’s story. Please don’t ask me how. It is Orunmila’s story and involvement with Yemoja and all of that. From there, Sango’s story came up as well.

Typically, I have gotten what I wanted to get from the research I was doing for this person and I was done with it, but I went back to it. I just immersed myself into that research and I was neck-deep in there for months. Afterwards, I went to my husband and told him that I have a story to tell as I usually tell him stories from my head that I never write down. He told me that I have a story and encouraged me to write.

Can you talk about the technicalities of writing the book?

When I had the idea in 2017, I wrote down the summary of the story, what I was thinking in my head, and how the story is going to be. So, I wrote chapter one. But then, life was happening. I was having children, so I will stop research and continue at some point. Thinking about the story is the easiest, but then writing it and then making it good is the hard work. What I did was that I had a number of people around me for accountability and for progress. For accountability was my husband because I wasn’t a writer; I was a writer in the corporate space not in the creative space. Then, my husband would say go and write that work and every day he would hound me. Every time he does that, I would just write something and do something. I also have an editor; someone that I could pay or that I pay to say listen, I have done chapter one, look at it, does it make sense. Then the editor does that, gives me feedback, writes whatever he wants to write, changes whatever he needs to change and then I get back to do the work. Oftentimes, most first-time writers think that writing is a one-man journey. It is not. You need to have people around you that you can even pay to look at your work, whether it even makes sense, and then have some sort of accountability around you.

Did you experience rejections from publishers for your book?

Yes. I had a rejection with my first draft. My first draft without an editor was rejected by a publishing house. After that rejection I remember someone telling me to try other publishers. But the kind of person that I am, I had to look at it again and I said I think I need a proper editor. So, I got someone who I have been working with for the past five years, who looked at it again, took a lot of weeks, we had a lot of back and forth. But the second time I tried to send it out, the second publisher looked at it and said oh yeah, I want to work with you. In fact, the second one at some point I said they would publish my work even if they have to come to my place in England to steal the manuscript from me.

But going in for the prize was funny. My publishers put in the work for me while I was pregnant with my fifth child.

I think the entry went in February and I gave birth March 3rd, just to tell you how my mind wasn’t even minding in the first place. When I saw the longlist, I was like, when did I put in for this because obviously I am a new mother and I couldn’t even remember. I called my publisher and asked how it came from wherever to the 11 longlist, he said that I should just enjoy motherhood.

After ‘Sanya’, are you also looking at doing something on your Ibadan heritage?

I am fascinated by my Ibadan heritage. I have quite a lot of Ibadan stories in my, I won’t say archive, but in my folder. I am the kind of person that it may take a while to get something from me because I like to research, I like to really do the work before I write. It is okay for people who write just for the sake of it, but they must be writing from a place of knowledge. I also try to write from a place of knowledge as well. So, yes, definitely. I have a story on Okiado. But it will come at a point.

Having won Africa’s biggest literary award, where does it place you, and its impact on your writing going forward?

The thing is, the award in itself is not going to have any impact on my writing because my writing is my writing, which has been striving for excellence.

I wouldn’t say, oh, now I have won an NLNG, I don’t see anything that I will be doing any differently or any different from my typical trying to write or get an excellent piece or even just writing for the interest of people.

But I think what the award is going to do for me is help to amplify my voice in the areas that I am most passionate about in writing.

Every writer has a voice, and the voice is not just being able to speak to an audience; it is being able to pass across a certain kind of message based on what they believe in or what they stand for. So, yes, I hope that answers your question.

What kind of message do you intend to pass across with your writing?

My message is that African storytelling is gold. We have quite a number, a lot of stories to tell and need to tell them.

Listen, if we have about 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria, speaking different languages, do you not think we have a story? I think we do because the culture is rich enough, it is diverse enough for us to be able to pick our stories, and use that diversity to unify, to have one voice, to say, this is Nigeria, you have to listen to us. The world has to sit up and listen. And I believe that this is what writers before me have done. Writers in my generation are still doing the same. We have had Chinua Achebe standing for something for a national voice. That is what we have always known Chinua Achebe for.

So, even if Chinua Achebe writes about ‘Things Fall Apart’, we all know what the thematic message in ‘Things Fall Apart’ is. It is creative, very cultural, but we know what Chinua Achebe is talking about in the classic novel. The same way as Wole Soyinka, who is a surrealist.

He wants to engage a deep understanding of culture and traditions, even though he writes it in different ways. He can write it in comedy, drama, but we understand. That is the same thing I want to do. What I stand for is that we could no longer be silenced.

That even in our silence, even in a place of silence, we can still say something, and we would definitely have a voice in our story, or with our storytelling.

What is the key message you want readers of ‘Sanya’ to take away?

That message is identity. You know, there is a saying that if a people don’t know where they are coming from, they can’t know where they are going.

I believe that one of the downfalls of Sanya, for those that have read the book, is that Sanya knew where she was going, but she sometimes lost touch with the reality of where she was coming from. But some people will argue that she probably didn’t even know where she was from. This is a child that never met her mother and father. The earliest memory she had of her father was someone who wasn’t adequate, and she had to move a lot. So, she had that identity issue.

Though she was poised to do great and prophesied to do great in the world, there were still challenges. Some people will argue that there are orphans doing great things in the world. They don’t know where they are from. That’s fine.

But then, even orphans, sometimes will know their origin and even the ones that do not know their origin know that this is where I am coming from.

This is what I want to do. But regardless, so as not to make this any deeper, it is about the fact that, as Nigerians, we need to understand ourselves, understand our culture, and our identity. We need to know who we are as individuals and then what it is that we want to contribute to our society and how we can actually make that society better.

As a writer, how are you able to cope with writing, work and home?

Well, I would say that it is not easy. And I know some will say, that is difficult. But then, I do not see anything that ever comes easy. The truth is that there are people who don’t have children, who still have commitments and responsibilities that are quite heavy on them, yet they still go ahead to do great things.

I think if you ground yourself into whatever it is that you want to do, even if it takes years or the distractions, it is still going to happen regardless.

I have seen people in their latter part of life, they call them octogenarians, who still go back to school because they want to have a degree, yet they do so well. This is because at that point, in their mind, they have already determined that this is what they want to do, and they go for it. You see them just doing it with so much grace and so much ease.

Maybe, if I was younger and I didn’t have children and I attempted this award, I probably would have really failed, like failed completely. There are people who are going through lots of challenges, yet they carry their purpose with a lot of determination.

So, I think the word here is purpose. Find your purpose. For a while, I pursued the corporate world, which was quite rewarding because yesterday, my boss from a company where I used to be the head of corporate affairs called me, and I could hear all of his staff screaming from the background, like, oh, she used to work here. I was quite young at the time, even when I was head of corporate affairs and communications. He was like, wait, I know you used to write, I know you used to, you are quite brilliant, but I didn’t know you were into the creative thing. I said, well, he found me.

But the thing is, finding one’s purpose, you can find your purpose over and over and over again. A friend of mine in the creatives was telling me that he got married early, so he’s had challenges of early marriages, which kind of just zapped him and drained him.

And he said, I can no longer find joy in what I used to enjoy. I said, listen, listen and listen well. You can find joy in something else.

It doesn’t have to be something you used to enjoy. That is why we are creative people. Look at the God that created us in different forms, shapes and sizes.

Who said we cannot find joy in different things; the problem is that we keep looking back all the time. We keep thinking, oh, I used to have this life, and then you keep just trying to go back to that life.

If you knock on that door so many times and it doesn’t work out, trust me, you will find another passion. Something else will find you and you should give yourself that room and that opportunity to enjoy something else and find purpose.

Find a purpose in yourself first. Then you will find a purpose in other things as well.

Why do you use your culture as a reflection in contemporary writing?

Start with your comfort zone because you cannot write about anything you know nothing about.

Or if you are like me, you can write something about something you don’t know anything about, just do your research, don’t take permission, then apologize later.

Who is the greatest inspiration in your literary career?

I will say Professor Wole Soyinka again because I have said this so many times. Chimamanda Adichie is a great inspiration as well. She is amazing and in the global space it is Dan Brown.

The Broadway Movie Academy has officially announced the commencement of its intensive creative training programme, set to begin on January 8, 2026, in Lagos. The one-month immersive programme will provide participants with hands-on training across five core areas, including acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and producing. The academy will also host exclusive masterclasses featuring some of Nollywood’s finest and most respected professionals, including: Bimbo Akintola, Yvonne Jegede, Daniel Oriahi, Uzor Arukwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bayo ‘Lion’ Adedeji, Moses Babatope, Ruth Kadiri, Itele D’Icon, Dele Momodu, Fathia Williams, Rogers Ofime, Chineze Anyaene, and James Omokwe.

The academy, which is an NGO initiative by The Hype Agency, spearheaded by Samuel Olatuji (Bigsam), is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers by bridging the gap between raw talent and professional mastery. Participants will receive practical instruction, mentorship, and exposure designed to prepare them for the realities of today’s fast-evolving film industry. Each trainee will also collaborate on a short film project, serving as part of their professional showreel.

The academy boasts an impressive faculty roster with seasoned industry professionals leading various departments. The faculty lecturers include: Yvonne Jegede (acting), Darlington Abula (producing), Samuel Olatunji ‘Bigsam’ (directing), Bolarinwa Okeowo (cinematography), and Adeniji Damola (producing – art of assistant directing). The heads of faculty are: Bimbo Akintola (acting), Daniel Oriahi (directing), Okpe Andy (cinematography), Osagie Wale Muriana (producing), and Kehinde Joseph (screenwriting).

In addition, the academy’s stellar lineup of masterclass speakers includes Uzor Arukwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bayo ‘Lion’ Adedeji, Moses Babatope, Ruth Kadiri, Itele D’Icon, Dele Momodu, Fathia Williams, Rogers Ofime, Chineze Anyaene, and James Omokwe. They will be sharing valuable insights on key industry topics. The sessions will cover how to deliver unforgettable performances as an actor, personal branding, cracking the code of television and YouTube monetisation, getting corporates to buy into your vision and brand, the business of filmmaking, and how to stand out as an actor, director, or crew member in today’s competitive Nollywood landscape.

Through its mix of expert mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure, the Broadway Movie Academy aims to redefine creative education and empower a new wave of filmmakers ready to transform Nollywood’s storytelling landscape.

Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, Dettol, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing hand hygiene in Nigeria with the commemoration of Global Hand Washing Day 2025, held in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), and Kiddies ‘n’ Brands, a Reckitt Catalyst beneficiary.

This year’s theme, ‘Be a Hero, One Hand Wash at a Time,’ reinforces the power of individual action in driving collective change through hand washing, one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness and improve public health.

The flagship event, held on October 15th in Abuja, brought together key government officials, development partners, and members of the media to promote hand hygiene awareness nationwide. The event featured practical hand washing demonstrations led by Dettol and a renewed commitment by stakeholders to scale hygiene education across communities.

Delivering the goodwill message at the event, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, reiterated Dettol’s leadership in hygiene advocacy and its long-standing partnership with the Federal Government.

‘At Reckitt, through our flagship brand, Dettol, we have remained deeply committed to the promotion of hand hygiene for decades. Hand Washing is not just a routine practice; it is a basic human right, a key to well-being, and one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and improve public health outcomes. Our long-standing advocacy for hand hygiene is rooted in the belief that clean hands save lives, and hygiene is the foundation for health.

To bring this commitment to life, we have continued to work closely with the Federal and State governments, championing hygiene and sanitation education that empowers communities and strengthens public health across Nigeria.’ she said.

The Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Professor Joseph Terlumun Utsev, commended Dettol and its partners for their sustained advocacy and contribution to Nigeria’s hygiene and sanitation goals, urging continued collaboration toward a healthier nation.

‘I commend Reckitt, through its Dettol brand, and our development partners, Action Against Hunger, UNICEF, WaterAid and others for their continued support in driving hygiene and sanitation improvements across Nigeria. Hand Washing with soap remains a first-line defence against disease and a foundation for dignity, productivity, and well-being. However, ensuring that this simple act becomes a way of life requires sustained advocacy, innovation, and collective effort. The Federal Government remains committed to working with the private sector to scale up access to hygiene facilities and strengthen behaviour change. Together, we can empower every Nigerian to be a hand washing hero and safeguard our nation’s health,’ he said.

In addition to the Abuja event, Dettol’s partners extended the Global Hand Washing Day commemoration to communities in Lagos and Kwara States. In Lagos, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and Kiddies ‘n’ Brands led community and school-based engagements across Ijora and Alimosho, where students and caregivers participated in fun, interactive hygiene demonstrations reinforcing the importance of regular hand washing in line with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6. Similarly, in Kwara, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa continued its Hygiene Quest programme, educating schoolchildren and families on best hygiene practices.

As part of its broader public health agenda, Dettol continues to lead impactful initiatives such as Dettol Clean Naija and the Reckitt Catalyst Initiatives, which have empowered millions of Nigerians with hygiene education and supported innovative social enterprises in the WASH and Health sector.

Through these initiatives, Dettol underscores how simple daily actions like hand washing can make a life-saving difference. Together with the government and partners, Reckitt remains committed to building a Nigeria where everyone can be a hygiene hero.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State on Friday formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, where Nentawe Yilwatda, the APC National Chairman, who is from the state delivered a speech rallying support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Yilwatda praised Tinubu’s leadership, citing achievements in economic growth, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth empowerment as evidence of a progressive administration worthy of continuity.

‘We have every reason to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a second term,’ he said, highlighting economic growth and oil production gains under Tinubu’s leadership.

He emphasized that Tinubu had given a voice to marginalised groups, referencing the appointment of the first Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission from Plateau State.

Yilwatda described APC as the ‘bride of the moment,’ revealing that more senators, governors, and National Assembly members are quietly returning to the party, including some from PDP and ADC.

Yilwatda urged party members to remain united, saying the APC is healthy, growing stronger, and fully prepared to secure electoral victory in Plateau and across Nigeria in 2027.

Diamonds and Pearls Travels has once again redefined the art of exploration by reintroducing its groundbreaking ’50-Plus Vacation Club,’ a curated travel experience designed exclusively for adventurers aged fifty years and above.

First launched in 2018, the 50-Plus Vacation Club was celebrated as the first travel package of its kind, blending comfort, discovery, and community for senior travellers who wanted more than just a holiday. The programme took valued senior members aged 50 years and above to incredible destinations including Doha, Dubai, and Israel, creating memories of culture, spirituality, adventure, and luxury. The initiative was later paused due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, but in 2025, Diamonds and Pearls Travels successfully revived it.

The response has been overwhelming, with rave reviews pouring in from returning travellers and new clients eager to celebrate their older relatives through travel. The revival of this niche proves that meaningful, well-curated experiences remain in high demand. In line with current realities, some destinations such as Israel are on pause due to the ongoing war, but the 50-Plus Vacation Club continues to chart new journeys for its members with the same standard of excellence.

Beyond its destinations and luxury touches, the essence of the 50-Plus Vacation Club lies in one of its goals to promote collective leisure among our elderly loved ones. It creates an opportunity for people aged fifty and above to travel together, connect, and share experiences that encourages networking, cultural exchange, companionship, and emotional wellbeing. Each journey becomes an experience, one that values shared stories as much as the sights themselves.

The 50-Plus Vacation Club offers: Handpicked Destinations: Rich in culture, history, and leisure, chosen to spark wonder and relaxation. Premium Comfort, from seamless airport transfers to carefully selected accommodations, every detail is designed for ease and enjoyment. Curated Experiences that include gentle-paced city tours, cultural encounters, wellness activities, and opportunities to connect with like-minded travellers. Dedicated Support and On-Ground Chaperone: Personalized assistance and attentive service from start to finish, with an experienced chaperone accompanying every trip.

‘When we first introduced the 50-Plus Vacation Club in 2018, it was groundbreaking,’ said David Olatunde Lamidi and Wonuola Olatunde-Lamidi, who are both managing partners at Diamonds and Pearls Travels. ‘Now, revisited in 2025, it has returned stronger than ever, and the reviews from our guests speak volumes. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it’s about creating memories, building connections, and celebrating milestones.’

Adding to the above, Mayowa Obasanya, junior partner at Diamonds and Pearls Travels, who also served as a chaperone on the September 10-16, 2025 trip, shared a memorable reflection. ‘One of our travellers told me that he loved the initiative so much that he would prefer to have trips like this once a year rather than being given cash. Hearing that touched me deeply, it showed that what we are offering goes beyond a vacation. The experience itself has measurable value that money simply cannot match,’ Obasanya said.

The niche recognizes that the 50-plus traveller is not slowing down but seeking journeys that enrich, inspire, and honour a lifetime of experiences.

With Diamonds and Pearls Travels leading the way, the ’50-Plus’ travel movement is more than just a package, it is a lifestyle. A reminder that adventure has no age, and the best journeys are yet to come. The next 50-Plus Vacation Club trip is already scheduled for October 23-29, 2025, continuing this inspiring journey of friendship, culture, and discovery.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, has warned protesters to desist from vandalising public and private property during Monday’s planned protest in Abuja over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Olusola Odumosu, FCT Commandant of the Corps, issued the warning on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) remains a top priority for the security agency.

According to Odumosu, the Corps has deployed a massive contingent of officers and special forces across strategic locations in the FCT to safeguard infrastructure and ensure the safety of residents before, during, and after the planned rallies.

‘The Corps will not condone any form of vandalism or theft of public and private facilities, all in the name of protest,’ Odumosu said.

He noted that the personnel had been properly briefed and directed to maintain professionalism and civility while performing their duties.

Officers were also instructed to avoid harassment, intimidation, or accidental discharge, with Odumosu emphasising that no form of indiscipline or overzealous conduct would be tolerated.

‘We are prepared, as always, to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to peace in the territory. ‘The deployed men have been cautioned to adopt a non-kinetic approach while carrying out the mandates of the Corps,’ he stated.

The commandant, however, issued a stern warning to individuals planning to hijack or disrupt the peaceful demonstrations, vowing that anyone caught engaging in criminal acts would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The warning comes amid heightened tension in Abuja as separate groups prepare to stage demonstrations either supporting or opposing the release of Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.

Kanu faces seven counts of terrorism and treasonable felony, charges linked to his activities with IPOB, which was outlawed by the federal government in 2017. He was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, but fled the country following a military invasion of his home in Abia State.

The protest is being spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, alongside other civil society organisations, who insist that the demonstration will proceed despite a Federal High Court order restraining mass protests around key national institutions in Abuja.

HXafrica, through its subsidiary, the Real Estate Investment Cooperative (REICo) in a move to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development among indigenous communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abuja Original Inhabitants Youth Empowerment Organisation (AOIYEO).

The partnership seeks to establish a state-wide cooperative society aimed at promoting economic empowerment, enterprise development, and financial inclusion for Abuja’s original inhabitants.

The initiative will leverage cooperative management and microfinance models to create sustainable opportunities for local residents, aligning with government efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen community participation in development.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Ugo Peters, chief executive officer of HXafrica, said the partnership underscores the organisation’s guiding philosophy of putting people before profit.

He explained that the collaboration reflects HXafrica’s long-term commitment to improving livelihoods and supporting social impact projects that address pressing community needs.

‘Our vision is to build a system that works for everyone, one that prioritises people, not just profits. This partnership with AOIYEO will empower Abuja’s indigenous people to become active participants in their own economic growth,’ Peters stated.

As part of its broader social responsibility agenda, HXafrica also runs the Free Bus Initiative, which provides daily free transportation for residents across Abuja. Since its launch in March, the initiative has served over 19,000 commuters, saving more than ?9.6 million in transportation costs, a testament to HXafrica’s belief that businesses can thrive while driving social good.

Isaac David, executive director of AOIYEO, lauded HXafrica and REICo for their commitment to grassroots empowerment, describing the collaboration as a deliverance day for Abuja’s original inhabitants. He announced plans for the newly established cooperative to set up a microfinance bank that will provide access to funding, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen community-led development initiatives.

Stakeholders at the event commended the move, expressing optimism that the cooperative would enhance capacity building, create jobs, and foster sustainable livelihoods across indigenous communities in the FCT.

Heirs Insurance Group, Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance group, has announced the winners of the fourth edition of the Heirs Insurance Essay Championship, a nationwide competition promoting financial literacy and academic excellence among secondary school students and educators.

The grand finale, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, brought together students, parents, and academic leaders for a celebration of knowledge and creativity. This year’s edition, which attracted over 5,000 entries from junior secondary school students nationwide, was anchored on the topic ‘The Role of Insurance in Keeping Families Safe and Secure’.

After a rigorous evaluation process by a distinguished panel of academic professionals, independently verified by Deloitte and Touche, 13-year-old Rhema-Love Abraham of Precepts Learning Field, Lagos, emerged as the overall winner, earning a N5 million scholarship and a N1 million grant for her school.

Bernice Michael of S-TEE High School, Lagos, claimed the second-place position, winning a N2 million scholarship, while Afopefoluwa Tofio-Jacobs of D-IVY College, Ogun State, took third place, receiving a N1 million scholarship.

This year, Heirs Insurance introduced the inaugural Teachers Prize, to honor teachers promoting insurance awareness within their schools and communities. This initiative was created to democratise access to insurance literacy, working collaboratively with teachers and educators.

Okpe James Chidi, a teacher at Urban Secondary School, Umuna Orlu, Imo State, emerged as the winner of the Teachers’ Insurance Awareness Prize, with a personal award of N1million cash prize, and a N500,000 grant for his school. His project, which deepened students’ understanding of financial literacy and insurance, was praised for its innovation, reach, and measurable impact.

Speaking at the ceremony, Niyi Onifade, sector head, Heirs Insurance Group, commended all the participants for their creativity and drive, emphasising the Group’s commitment to nurturing future leaders through education.

He said, ‘We are proud of every student and teacher who participated in this year’s Essay Championship. Their creativity, curiosity, and dedication reflect the future we envision for our nation; one built on knowledge, innovation, and resilience. At Heirs Insurance Group, we believe financial literacy is a powerful tool for empowerment and transformation’.

The Heirs Insurance Essay Championship is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Heirs Insurance Group, created to build awareness of insurance literacy and critical thinking among young Nigerians. The introduction of the Teachers’ Insurance Awareness Prize further demonstrates the Group’s commitment to advancing insurance education and promoting financial inclusion at every level of society.

Nigeria has struck a deal with LONGi of China, the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer, for the establishment of a factory in the country to boost local production of solar equipment.

Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on his X handle, said the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) facilitated the landmark deal.

The deal was sealed on behalf of the federal government with LONGi of China during a follow up visit of federal government delegation to China after both parties had, earlier in the year, signed the memorandum of understanding.

Under the partnership, the world’s largest solar panel manufacturer agreed to set up a one thousand mega watts capacity solar panel production factory in the country to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.

Mustapha Abdullahi, director general of ECN, said the deal marks a significant milestone in the renewable energy landscape and aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to expand solar manufacturing capacity.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria is currently implementing the renewed hope solarisation programme of the present administration aimed at accelerating deployment of solar mini grids to public institutions across the country.

Abdullahi noted that the ‘establishment of solar panel production factory in the country, will boost implementation of the intervention as well as create jobs.’

Rana Energy, an AI-powered Clean Energy-as-a-Service company, has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to expand its digital utility network across Africa. The company aims to increase access to affordable and reliable clean energy for households and businesses on a continent where over 600 million people still lack a dependable electricity supply.

The funding round includes $500,000 in equity from Techstars, EchoVC Eco, and angel investors such as Chinedu Azodoh and Tayo Bamiduro, co-founders of mobility company MAX. The remaining $2.5 million was raised through a local currency green debt note arranged by Optimum Global and backed by FSDH Asset Management.

Founded in 2023 by engineers Abraham Mohammed and Mubarak Popoola, Rana Energy is developing what it calls Africa’s first AI-driven digital utility. Its core platform, known as the Virtual Solar Network (VSN), uses artificial intelligence to forecast energy demand, aggregate solar and battery storage projects, and manage distributed energy assets remotely.

Through this model, businesses and communities can subscribe to clean energy services without upfront payments. Rana installs and operates solar and storage systems while customers pay predictable monthly fees. This structure has allowed clients to cut energy costs and reduce reliance on diesel generators.

Dr. Boroji Osindero, Medical Director at Wellness Centre in Lagos, said the service had made a significant difference. ‘Before Rana, we were spending over ?2.5 million monthly on diesel at our physiotherapy clinic. Now, we have 24/7 clean power at 25% less cost, and our patients know they can count on us during emergencies.’

According to co-founder and CTO, Mubarak Popoola, Rana Energy has deployed 1.3 megawatts (MW) of solar and storage systems across Nigeria in just 18 months. ‘Execution is everything in this market, and Rana delivers at lightning pace,’ he said. ‘We’ve achieved 99.9% uptime, reduced diesel use by over 80%, and cut energy costs by up to 30% for our clients.’

With the new funding, Rana plans to expand its VSN asset base to 10 MW within 12 months, extending services to battery swap stations, hospitals, supermarkets, and industrial facilities across Nigeria, Ghana, and Zambia. The company estimates this will avoid more than 450,000 kilogrammes of carbon emissions each year.

Co-founder and CEO, Abraham Mohammed, said the model combines venture equity with structured green debt to create a sustainable investment pathway for Africa’s energy transition. ‘By blending venture equity with structured green debt financing, we have built a replicable model for Africa’s energy transition, where every $1 deployed generates over $10 in local economic value,’ he said.

EchoVC Eco’s Managing Partner, Eghosa Omoigui, said Rana’s approach demonstrates a scalable solution to Africa’s energy access gap. ‘Abraham and Mubarak have built the first truly scalable solution to Africa’s $20 billion energy access gap,’ he said. ‘Their AI-powered approach doesn’t just replace diesel with a clean substitute, it creates a neoenergy paradigm that will unlock billions in economic growth.’

Rana Energy’s software team, led by Head of Software and AI Innovation, Godpraise Momoh, said the VSN ecosystem supports project mapping, financing, and monitoring. The system integrates mobile payments and offers real-time performance tracking, with blockchain-based carbon verification in development.

Africa’s distributed energy market is expected to reach $127 billion by 2030. Rana Energy says it intends to help drive that growth by providing clean, cost-effective power where it is needed most.