Category: Business Day

Looking back on your journey, what were some of the early challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Early on, exchange rate volatility threatened everything. Importing eyewear and fragrances became a moving target financially. My solution was threefold: build stronger supplier relationships for better terms, time my inventory purchases strategically, and diversify into local products to reduce forex risk. That’s partly why our Nigerian-made line exists-it’s both a celebration of local excellence and a smart business hedge. Finding reliable staff was the other major hurdle. I learned that investing in training and creating a culture centred on quality and value pays dividends. You can’t build a premium brand without a team that understands and embodies those standards.

How did your upbringing and personal experiences shape your entrepreneurial spirit and drive?

I’ve always loved fashion, and it made me pay attention to details. I noticed that when you meet someone, their glasses catch your eye first. And when you enter a room, the smell is what hits you right away. These everyday observations became the inspiration for my business.

With over 10 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, what skills do you think have been most transferable to your entrepreneurial ventures?

Two critical skills have transferred seamlessly: maintaining rigorous quality control standards and establishing strong relationships with OEMs. These partnerships ensure consistent after-sales service support and timely access to genuine spare parts, which are essential for customer satisfaction and business sustainability.

How has your background in sales, business development, and contract negotiation influenced your approach to building and growing your brands?

My sales experience centres on one principle: create value by solving problems and clearly communicating that value to clients. In business development, I’ve applied staged growth within my areas of expertise. Our eyewear line evolved from unique frames to contact lenses to full optical services through strategic partnerships. Our fragrance division grew from basic humidifiers to industrial diffusers and premium UK fragrance brands. We’ve also expanded into Nigerian-made wellness products, creating an integrated lifestyle offering at every stage.

What motivated you to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, and what challenges did you face in making that leap?

Let’s be honest-I never fully transitioned; I smartly straddled both worlds. There’s wisdom in keeping your day job while building your business. My corporate environment became my testing ground and client base. Every conference I attended with my unique glasses sparked conversations that often ended in sales.

Why wouldn’t I turn my professional network into my customer base? The biggest challenge? Making sure people knew I was serious about business and not just accessorising well!

What inspired you to create CNM Essentials, and how do you envision the brand evolving in the future?

Honestly, COVID sparked it all. Everyone suddenly needed humidifiers and essential oils to breathe easier and stay healthy at home. But as I started selling these products, I realised people wanted more than just wellness-they wanted their spaces to feel peaceful and smell incredible. That’s when CNM Essentials evolved from a pandemic necessity into a brand about creating beautiful, serene environments. Going forward, I want us to be the brand people think of when they want to transform how their space feels and smells.

Your brand emphasises wellness, elegance, and intentional living. Can you share more about what these values mean to you and how they shape your business decisions?

Wellness, elegance, and intentional living translate into one core principle for me: never compromise on comfort or style. Every business decision starts with value creation and customer satisfaction-not pricing. I ask myself: Will this product make someone feel better? Will it help them express themselves? Does it deliver quality they can experience? When you prioritise value and satisfaction upfront, price becomes a natural conversation rather than an objection. Customers invest in products that genuinely enhance their lives.

The launch of your Made-in-Nigeria haircare line is a significant step towards celebrating African excellence. What drove this decision, and how do you see it impacting the beauty industry?

We’re sitting on a goldmine of natural products like shea butter in Nigeria. The decision to launch this line came from understanding that quality control and packaging are game-changers. With proper refinement processes and premium packaging that meets international standards, these products aren’t just for local consumption-they’re export-ready. I want to show the beauty industry that Nigerian products, when held to the highest quality standards and presented professionally, can compete globally. It’s about elevating our natural resources to their rightful place in the market.

How do you think businesses can balance profitability with social responsibility and sustainability?

Honestly, I don’t see them as competing priorities. Good business is responsible business. When we invest in quality control for our local products, we’re protecting customers and building trust. When we source Nigerian ingredients, we’re supporting communities and reducing environmental impact from imports. When we use proper packaging, we’re ensuring products last and reducing returns. Every responsible choice strengthens the business. Profitability isn’t about cutting corners-it’s about creating value that customers recognise and are willing to pay for. Do that right, and both your bottom line and your impact grow together.

Under-fire Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim celebrated his 50th game in charge with a much-needed 2-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford, a result that eased growing pressure on the Portuguese manager.

Amorim, whose tenure has been under intense scrutiny following a string of inconsistent performances, saw his side deliver a composed and clinical display. Mason Mount opened the scoring after just eight minutes, giving United the perfect platform with his first goal of the season. It was the earliest United had scored in the Premier League since Marcus Rashford struck in the second minute against Ipswich in Amorim’s debut match last November.

Benjamin Sesko doubled United’s advantage with a sharp close-range finish as the home side looked in control throughout. At the other end, Amorim’s decision to hand a debut to £18.1m signing Senne Lammens paid off, with the Belgian goalkeeper keeping United’s first clean sheet of the season.

Sunderland were briefly handed a lifeline when awarded a penalty just before half-time, but the decision was overturned by VAR after replays showed Sesko had not made contact with Trai Hume, as initially judged. In a reign previously defined by grim statistics, Amorim finally has some positives to cling to. United recorded a third consecutive home win for the first time in over two years and extended their formidable record against Sunderland, having now lost just once in their last 31 home meetings with the Black Cats.

The milestone win also saw Amorim become the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win his 50th game in charge – a symbolic achievement not lost on the Old Trafford crowd, who serenaded him with a rousing rendition of their ‘Ruben Amorim’ chant.

For Amorim, this result won’t silence all the doubters – but it offers a much-needed reprieve and a foundation to build on amid continued speculation over his future.

Ruben Amorim’s under-fire Manchester United side will aim to bounce back to winning ways when they host newly-promoted Sunderland at Old Trafford in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

This will be the clubs’ first meeting since April 2017, when Man United cruised to a 3-0 victory at the Stadium of Light.

The stakes are higher now, with Amorim clinging to his job amid mounting pressure following last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford, which cancelled out any momentum gained from their hard-fought win over Chelsea.

United remain without back-to-back league victories under Amorim, but could register a third straight home win if they overcome a confident Sunderland side.

The Black Cats, enjoying life back in the top flight, have picked up 11 points from their first six games, sitting sixth in the table after three wins and two draws.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are languishing in 14th after losing three of their opening six matches, conceding 11 goals in the process.

Amorim also approaches his 50th match in charge, but history is against him; none of United’s last five permanent managers won their 50th game at the helm, with Sir Alex Ferguson the last to do so in November 1987.

However, United can draw confidence from their remarkable record against promoted teams, having gone 24 Premier League matches unbeaten against newcomers since losing 4-1 to Watford in 2021, the game that ended Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s reign.

Key Stats

Manchester United have lost 3 of their opening 6 league games, conceding 11 goals.

United are unbeaten in their last 24 Premier League games against newly-promoted clubs.

Amorim takes charge of his 50th United game, with history stacked against him.

Prediction

Sunderland’s strong start and fearless approach could trouble a fragile United side, but Old Trafford form and their record against promoted clubs may tip the balance.

Arsenal will look to clinch a fourth successive victory in all competitions when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Gunners head into their final match before the October international break in buoyant mood, having snatched a last-gasp win over Newcastle United before defeating Olympiacos in the Champions League midweek.

A major boost for Arsenal could be the first-time starting combination of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Ødegaard.

Injuries have so far prevented the trio from lining up together, but Arteta may unleash them against the Hammers. Saka came off the bench to score against Olympiacos, while Ødegaard impressed with a Man of the Match display, setting up the decisive goal.

West Ham, however, have history on their side. The Irons have won on their last two Premier League visits to the Emirates, and under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, they will be eager to frustrate Arsenal once again.

Espírito Santo began his reign with a gritty 1-1 draw at Everton and is expected to adopt a more defensive, safety-first approach to counter Arsenal’s firepower.

Key Stats

Arsenal are chasing their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.

West Ham have won their last two league games at the Emirates.

Arsenal have claimed victory in just two of their last six meetings with West Ham.

The Hammers have already conceded 14 goals in six league matches this season.

Predictions

Arsenal’s momentum, attacking options, and title-chasing ambition should give them the edge.

West Ham’s resilience under Espírito Santo may limit the scoreline, but the Gunners’ quality is likely to prevail.

Matthew Alaofin, Senior Advisor at Dell Technologies, USA has disclosed the importance of investment in Autonomous Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) in shaping the future of healthcare and cybersecurity.

Alaofin who disclosed this at the IOCS 2025 themed: Applications of IoT, Ophthalmologist and Cybersecurity in Digital tech.

According to him ‘There is a lot of investment going on in level three and level four artificial intelligence. This is where the industry is headed. Level four is a more advanced AI agent where a lot of companies particular in the US are already putting investment. This is going to help in efficiency and achieving results faster. Companies are beginning to invest in these technologies and setting the groundwork.’

‘IoT systems have sensors which now pass data to the AI component that analyses the data and then comes up with whatever result. The synergy between both is beautiful and has a lot of benefit for industries specifically for Ophthalmology and cybersecurity. We have seen that in cybersecurity but need to see more in Ophthalmology because the potentials are there and investments are huge.’

He noted that a lot of it is not yet in production but still in pilot stages while companies are already putting billions of dollars to secure the technology.

The expert said AI is moving from passive applications that require human input to autonomous agents which can act independently.

‘Many users leverage the AI only for the chat bot, asking questions and getting answers. It is moving from single to multi agents AI systems which is where the industry is going.

He explained that the level 4 AI will play important role in healthcare delivery, combining human effort to get faster diagnosis,

Alaofin also stated that both Al and IoT are increasingly being implemented together into systems to enhance device functionality and efficiency, with both collaboration constituting the concept of AloT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) where both AI and IoT are used collectively to combine their strengths for more intelligent and autonomous systems.

‘The synergy between Al and loT offers a multitude of benefits by combining real-time sensor data and intelligent data analysis. This collaboration enhances automation, facilitates predictive insights and fosters adaptability resulting in optimized operations, improved resource efficiency, and enhanced user experiences across various industries or domains,’ he added.

The Senior Advisor citing sources disclosed that IOT Edge spending in Healthcare has been forecasted to grow at a CAGR of +10 percent and Al Services at a CAGR of +15 percent.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged that a lot of these investments in AI and IOT are coming mostly in the Cybersecurity sector, calling for more investments in the healthcare system.

‘Agentic Al will deliver transformative value to healthcare systems by introducing autonomous, adaptive, and goal-oriented intelligence across both clinical and operational domains,’ he added.

According to him, industries are getting ready for the application of IOT in Ophthalmology. Citing that, ‘ in 2024, Companies in the US ranked IOT as the fourth highest investment priority among other technologies’

He said that there must be adequate investment in technology infrastructure to make it work, adding that it will not work without good equipment in place.

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League with a confident 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Rice opened the scoring in the first half, finishing smartly after Eberechi Eze’s shot was parried by Alphonse Areola. The former West Ham captain, who was jeered by the travelling fans, later left the pitch with back pain in the closing stages, while Martin Ødegaard was also forced off earlier in the game – the third consecutive home match in which the Arsenal captain has had to be withdrawn.

Despite the injury setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s side dominated throughout, with West Ham limited to long-range efforts. Saka doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf. The goal marked Saka’s 55th in the Premier League on his 200th appearance, continuing his excellent form. Arteta had named an ambitious midfield trio of Rice, Ødegaard, and Eze, part of a refreshed lineup following a £250m summer spend. Although that midfield was disrupted by injury, the Gunners remained in control, extending their strong start to the season, having lost just once so far.

The result puts Arsenal ahead of Liverpool at the top of the table, at least until the Reds face Chelsea later on Saturday.

FIFA has confirmed the match officials for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

For the Matchday 9 clash against Lesotho, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, Chadian referee Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will take charge. Mahamat also officiated Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on September 6. He will be assisted by compatriots Bogola Issa (Assistant Referee 1), Moussa Hafiz (Assistant Referee 2), and Abdelkerim Ousmane (Fourth Official). Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani has been named Referee Assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will serve as Match Commissioner.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are third on Group C standings with 11 points, currently trailing group leaders Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa by three points.

Victory is crucial to boosting their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The federal government has approved an additional 100 kilometres to the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, so it can pass through Edo State, South-South Nigeria. This brings the total length of the highway to 800km, and the number of states covered to nine.

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister for Works, disclosed this at an Independence Gala night hosted by the Edo State government at the State Villa, Benin City, on October 1, 2025.

The minister quoted President Tinubu as saying, ‘This project must pass from Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and to Cross River. And that is why we are here. Your Excellency, the President has given you 100 kilometres of the coastal road.’

He recalled that when the idea of the coastal road was conceived 47 years ago, Tinubu contacted the governors who were in office along with him then, but unfortunately, the project could not take off.

According to him, the route was made known, but unfortunately, it did not pass through Edo State. ‘So, when you heard 700 kilometres, and today you hear 750 kilometres, you may ask yourself where the difference is coming from; the difference is coming from here,’ he explained.

He commended the government and people of the state for their tremendous support for the federal government and also for their steadfastness to the values of the government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

Umahi assured them of the government’s commitment to quality and timely delivery of inherited ongoing projects in the State, despite frightening infrastructural and funding deficits inherited from previous administrations.

He also commended the state governor for agreeing to intervene on some critical sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road, which had been a death-trap to motorists, commending the level of work so far done by CBC, the contractor handling one of the sections.

‘So I want to thank you, Your Excellency, for this intervention, and I want to thank CBC for the very good quality work we have seen. But, re-mobilise to this place, and the controller must be giving me photographs of work done every day, and we have to do more work at night,’ he directed.

Monday Okpebholo, the state governor, thanked the federal government for including his state in the coastal highway project and for all the improvements on the federal roads in the state since the present administration came on board.

He noted the gesture as a manifestation of the interest of the President in the people of the state and also thanked the minister for the innovation in road construction, which he said would guarantee quality and value for money.

The governor equally commended Umahi for his commitment and for always responding any time his attention is called to the infrastructural needs of Edo, stressing the desire of his administration to change the narrative in infrastructural development in the state.

‘A few days ago, I came to this axis on my way back, and what I saw almost made me weep. Seeing the number of vehicles that were on this road, and the trailers that fell, I felt it shouldn’t be so. The government is trying, and whoever is criticizing it doesn’t know what he is doing. However, criticism is also good because it serves as a wake-up call for all of us,’ the governor noted.

‘I invited you because of this road; it’s terribly bad. If I do my part and you do your part, no one will criticize the government. That’s the main reason I called you here. Our people are crying out for this road to be fixed. We need to do something about this place, whether it’s the federal or state government,’ he added

The governor said that Benin people use the road the most, and they can’t come out and go to work or come back from work without struggling, which is why the governments need to fix the road and make it motorable.

Nigeria’s business environment posted modest growth in September 2025, driven largely by a rebound in the agriculture sector, according to the latest NESG-Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor (BCM).

The BCM’s Current Business Performance Index rose slightly to 107.9 points, up from 107.3 in August, signaling continued expansion in business activity.

The report attributes this improvement to a strong harvest season and relative macroeconomic stability that buoyed optimism among firms.

‘The agriculture sector, which had contracted in August, recorded a sharp rebound, rising from 95.6 to 107.3 points, marking the strongest recovery among all sectors.’

‘Crop production and forestry drove this expansion, aided by favourable rainfall, improved access to inputs, and ongoing government support. Livestock, fishing, and agro-allied activities also sustained moderate growth,’ the NESG report added.

Authors of the report disclosed that the manufacturing sector maintained expansion at 102.5 points but slowed from August’s momentum, dampened by erratic power supply, high diesel costs, and persistent input shortages.

Meanwhile, it said non-manufacturing industries, including oil, gas, and construction, eased slightly to 114.5 points, and trade slipped to 107.6 points amid insecurity and supply chain disruptions.

The services sector, however, strengthened to 108.5 points, supported by gains in finance, real estate, and professional services.

Generally, the report said the key BCM drivers to this growth include investment, exports, access to credit, and prices, with marginal gains relative to August 2025, pointing to improving sentiment in capital formation and external trade.

‘Importantly, recent improvements in cost of doing business and input prices suggest a gradual moderation of inflationary pressures on firms,’ it added.

However, NESG said this positive trend remains fragile, as financing constraints, erratic electricity supply, high commercial property costs, unclear policy signals, and persistent insecurity continue to undermine business confidence and investment appetite.

According to the report, the Future Business Expectation Index rose by 134.5 points. The trade sector led with the highest optimism (162.7 points), followed by manufacturing (158.4 points).

‘The improved outlook is driven by anticipated gains in the overall business environment, including expectations for an improved business situation, higher operating profits, a rise in production levels, increased cash flow, improved supply orders, and stronger demand conditions,’ it said.

Nigeria’s independence story has always been stitched into what we wear. Each October, the celebrations are not only marked by flags and speeches but by the fabrics, colours and styles that speak of identity and pride. Fashion has become a living archive of how Nigerians see themselves – regal, resilient, and endlessly creative.

At 65, the runway of Independence Day tells its own story: leaders draped in stately agbadas, women redefining elegance with Oleku and vintage bags, and today’s generation turning Ankara, gèlè and even portraits of national heroes into bold, contemporary statements. This is Nigeria, dressing herself in history and hope.

The Classic Era: 1960s to 2000s

Independence ushered in a wave of national pride, and fashion mirrored that energy. Leaders such as Shettima Ali Monguno in his dignified Babban Riga, K. O. Mbadiwe in his flamboyant Agbada, and Nnamdi Azikiwe in his immaculate white Etibo became visual symbols of cultural pride. Women equally made their mark, turning heads in Oleku – a Yoruba two-piece style – often paired with vintage handbags that remain timeless classics. This was an era when Independence Day was as much about political power as it was about sartorial presence.

The Y2K era: 2000s to 2020

The new millennium brought a bold, futuristic spin to Nigerian fashion. Metallic fabrics, edgy cuts and the infusion of Western influences redefined Independence Day looks. Men embraced palazzo trousers and Afro hair, reviving retro trends with fresh confidence, while women styled their gèlè with intricate English-inspired patterns. Celebrities such as Bisola Ayeola further blurred the lines between tradition and modernity, wearing Ankara in contemporary, Western silhouettes that travelled seamlessly from Lagos to London.

The modern era: 2020 to Date

Today’s Independence Day fashion is unapologetically creative. It is less about strict tradition and more about reimagining heritage for a new generation. Actress Toyin Abraham has redefined vintage looks, celebrating the 1960s aesthetic in modern campaigns. Elsewhere, individuals have transformed fashion into storytelling: one striking example featured a woman wearing fabric printed with the faces of Nigeria’s independence heroes. And in 2025, Amadou Elizabeth Aminata (Jadrolita) gave the 65th anniversary a contemporary edge, showing how Independence Day fashion has become both cultural tribute and artistic statement.