The Body Shop, the UK’s iconic ethical beauty brand, has made its debut in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s retail and skincare industry. The first store opened on March 8, 2025 – International Women’s Day – at Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, providing Nigerians with direct access to the brand’s renowned products. The official store opening is expected to usher in a new era of accessible and ethical beauty in the Nigerian market. [📸The Body Shop Nigeria] At the helm of The Body Shop Nigeria is Shalom Ijeoma Lloyd MBE, a British-Nigerian serial entrepreneur with over 28…
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Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) [📸Bloomberg via Getty Images] The Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund – whose objective is to increase the participation of women entrepreneurs in global value chains, resulting in expanded economic opportunities and improved livelihoods – announced the selection of four pilot beneficiary countries on 7 March ahead of International Women’s Day. WEIDE, which was launched by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in February 2024, also aims to increase the adoption of digital technologies by women entrepreneurs, including expanding their presence on digital platforms.…
Nike Majekodunmi – Founder, Baqers [📸Nike Majekodunmi] Nike Majekodunmi is revolutionising how Nigerians in the diaspora celebrate life’s sweetest moments. Through her innovative platform, Baqers, she has created a seamless way for people abroad to order baked goods from skilled pâtissiers and bakers across 26 states in Nigeria. Majekodunmi says: As a Nigerian entrepreneur, my passion has always been building businesses that create real impact. Over the past 2 decades, I’ve had the privilege of growing Nuts About Cakes into a well-loved bakery brand in Nigeria, bringing joy to thousands through fresh, beautifully made cakes.But one thing I kept hearing…
Dr. Awele Elumelu (Co-Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation [📸TEF] Further solidifying her commitment to health and wellness, Dr. Awele Elumelu – co-founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, renowned healthcare executive, philanthropist, and advocate for well-being – has completed another 42km marathon,(her sixth), this time in Japan. As a medical doctor and business leader, her dedication to endurance sports sends a strong message about the importance of physical and mental well-being, particularly for entrepreneurs and executives – and the power of balance, discipline, and self-care in high-performance leadership. The business case for wellness Entrepreneurship is an exhilarating but demanding journey. The…
Dr. Uchechi Onyedikachi – Founder & CEO EcoGreenFX Technologies 📸 At the recent MOUAU Conference and Fair 2025, Dr. Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachii presented a groundbreaking innovation poised to transform agriculture and environmental restoration in Nigeria and beyond. Her solution, EcoGreenFX, promises to clean polluted soil, enhance food production, and combat climate change—all in one innovation. Onyedikachi says: 💡 What if a single innovation could clean polluted soil, boost food production, and fight climate change? I shared my perspective at the ongoing MOUAU conference and fair, 2025, where I pitched EcoGreenFX—a game-changing solution that:✓ Removes pollutants from contaminated soil✓ Acts as…
Nneka Onyeali -Ikpe (MD & CEO, Fidelity Bank, Nigeria) Lagos, Nigeria – Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. In a major move to support this vital sector, Fidelity Bank recently launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a dynamic platform designed to provide businesses with the tools, resources, and financial support they need to thrive. Unveiled in a high-profile event attended by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders, the Fidelity SME Hub is positioned as a one-stop solution for SMEs navigating the challenges of scaling, funding, and market expansion. The initiative…
Jonny Baxter (British Deputy High Commissioner) presenting a completion certificate to a Commonwealth scholar in Lagos [📸BritishDeputyHigh Commission] Lagos & Abuja, 21 February 2025 –The British High Commission held welcome home ceremonies for 191 (44 Chevening and 147 Commonwealth) Nigerians scholars who have just completed their studies in the United Kingdom through the prestigious Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. The events held on Wednesday, 19th February and Thursday, 20th February in Abuja and Lagos, respectively. At both events, the scholars and fellows were celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements, received their completion certificates and were officially inducted into the Chevening and…
Tola Alade When Tola Alade set out to launch his premium rum brand, DÒDÒ, he was quoted a staggering £105K to bring my vision to life. But instead of being deterred by the high costs, he found a way to do it for just £600—by leveraging creativity, strategic partnerships, and community-driven momentum. Here is how he turned an April Fool’s prank (his unusual idea of producing a plantain-infused rum started as a joke) into a thriving rum brand, proving that you don’t always need massive funding to start—just a great story and the resourcefulness to make it happen. 🚀🥃 Alade…
Chigozie Bashua – Founder & CEO, The Nut Place [📸ChigozieBashua] The OECD/SWAC Public-Private Dialogue is a platform that focuses on enhancing intra-regional food trade in West Africa by fostering collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify challenges, implement inclusive solutions, and build mutual trust to improve food security, stimulate economic growth, and promote regional integration. A key aspect of this dialogue is addressing gender-specific barriers in the food trade sector, recognizing the central role women play and the unique challenges they face. Chigozie Bashua (Founder & CEO, The Nut Place), contributes significantly to this dialogue.…
Halal Expo is the largest commercial and cultural gathering for the halal market in West Africa! For two days, entrepreneurs, brands, experts, and consumers will come together to explore the latest trends and innovations in gastronomy, fashion, Islamic finance, and education.🎯 Why Attend?✅ Discover and shop 100% halal products & services✅ Engage with leading brands and startups in the sector✅ Take advantage of exclusive offers and live demonstrations✅ Create networking and collaboration opportunities📌 EVENT PROGRAM🛍 RAMADAN MARKET (Saturday & Sunday, from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM)🔹 Gastronomy & Gourmet 🍱 – Organic products, healthy food, and traditional dishes🔹 Fashion &…