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By James Ibori NORALIS (@the_noralis), an African-based skincare brand formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin, has called out what it describes as decades of neglect by the global beauty industry toward Nigerian and African women, arguing that the majority of products on the market were never designed with the biological and cultural needs of darker skin tones as a starting point. According to the brand, melanin-rich skin is not simply darker skin but is biologically distinct, more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, with different sebaceous gland activity, hydration dynamics, and barrier function — meaning products formulated on European skin in European labs are not neutral for Nigerian women and can be actively damaging. “The global beauty industry chose, for decades, not to operationalise the foundational dermatology of melanin-rich skin because the research investment did not appear commercially necessary. Noralis made a different calculation: start with ...

   By Bolaji Jimoh, Fraud & Compliance Manager, Dojah   The Central Bank of Nigeria's new AML requirements are forcing financial institutions to rethink how they manage compliance, fraud monitoring, and customer risk. With implementation deadlines now in motion, banks, fintechs, and payment companies are under increasing pressure to move away from manual AML processes and adopt automated systems capable of monitoring transactions, screening customers, and identifying suspicious activity in real time. For many institutions, the challenge is not understanding the new requirements. The challenge is being ready for them. At  Dojah , we are seeing growing demand from financial institutions looking to strengthen  transaction monitoring ,  AML screening , sanctions checks, and customer risk management ahead of the June 2026 deadline. The reason is simple. Many institutions still rely on a combination of manual reviews, disconnected systems, and onboarding-focu...

By Kehinde Faruk Africa’s crypto market is gradually entering a stage where infrastructure is becoming just as important as adoption itself. Over the last few years, conversations around bitcoin-to-naira transactions focused heavily on access, trading opportunities and the rapid rise of stablecoins across markets like Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. But recent developments within the sector suggest that attention is gradually shifting toward settlement systems, payout efficiency and how smoothly crypto moves into local currency. Monica Cash  reflects part of that new direction as more users across Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem pay closer attention to platforms offering automated payout systems and direct settlement infrastructure. The platform has spent the last three years supporting bitcoin-to-naira transactions through systems linked to local bank payouts and structured withdrawal processes. The shift is becoming more visible among freelancers, remote workers, online merc...

     Movement in Port Harcourt just got smarter, easier, and more rewarding as SIMPLAA, Nigeria’s fast-rising mobility platform, officially launches its bold new citywide campaign, inviting residents to experience a better way to move with an exciting introductory offer: “Enjoy Up to 3 FREE Rides Worth ₦5,000.” As part of its strategic expansion in Port Harcourt, SIMPLAA is offering new riders the opportunity to enjoy free rides across the city by simply downloading the app and using the promo code SIMPLAARIDE. The campaign is designed to give thousands of residents a firsthand experience of SIMPLAA’s safe, reliable, and affordable transportation service. Port Harcourt is a city constantly in motion—from morning work commutes and business meetings to market runs, airport transfers, social outings, and nightlife. SIMPLAA is positioning itself as the everyday mobility partner built for the pace of the city. “Port Harcourt deserves a ride experience that is simple, dependabl...

Published by Hofesh Homes Limited | Real Estate Intelligence Series There is a sentence that every property buyer in Nigeria should read before signing anything, transferring any money, or trusting any document placed in front of them. It is not buried in fine print, it is Section 1 of the Land Use Act of 1978, a federal law that has governed every single piece of land in Nigeria for nearly five decades: "All land comprised in the territory of each State in the Federation are hereby vested in the Governor of that State and such land shall be held in trust and administered for the use and common benefit of all Nigerians." Read that again carefully. All land is vested in the Governor and held in trust, not owned by you, the seller. Nor owned by the developer who built the estate. Held in trust by the government, for all Nigerians. This is not a technicality, this is the foundational legal reality of every property transaction in Nigeria. And if you are buying property in Abuja,...

 By Laila Gabriel NCDF Group has announced its intention to pursue three public listings by 2028 as part of its long-term corporate development and capital market strategy. The announcement was made through the office of the Company Secretary, Adefunke B. Omidiora, while issuing a notice for the next Board of Directors meeting of NCDF Holdings Limited, scheduled to hold virtually on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, at 11:00 a.m. According to the company, the proposed roadmap includes plans to position NCDF Investment Management Plc and Konto Financial Group Plc for listing on the Nigerian capital market, while NCDF Holdings Limited, the Group’s holding company, is being considered for a future listing in the United States capital market. The company stated that the proposed listings are part of its wider plan to strengthen governance, improve access to long-term capital, and support the growth of its operating platforms. NCDF Investment Management Plc is expected to serve as the Group’s inv...

     Latest modelling Agency in Lagos state Nigeria. A new agency in African fashion has emerged with the launch of  Fresh Models , a  Lagos -based modeling agency and training academy founded by international model and creative entrepreneur  Francis Polo , also known as  Fresh Pepper . Positioned at the intersection of talent development and global opportunity, Fresh Models aims to redefine industry standards in  Nigeria  by building a pipeline of world-class models equipped for both local and international markets. “Fresh Models was created to bridge the gap between raw talent in Nigeria and the structure required to compete globally,” said Polo. “We’re not just signing models—we’re developing them with intention, discipline, and a clear understanding of the industry.” Operating out of Lagos, the agency combines representation with hands-on training through its academy, offering aspiring models access to professional development in runway, ...

 Isolo remains a practical choice for renters who want mainland without extremely high rent. 1. OkotaPopular nearby area.Better infrastructureModerate pricingStrong residential demand 2. EjigboAffordable option.Lower rentGrowing housing supplyGood road access 3. Oshodi Residential AreasHighly connected.Transport advantageAffordable apartmentsBusy environment 4. Ago Palace Way AxisMore structured alternative.Better planningMid-range rentFamily-friendly areas. Final ThoughtRenters near Isolo often prioritize accessibility and affordability together. Exploring nearby neighborhoods on Expertlisting can help you discover better options within your budget range.

    African entertainment platform Loud In Africa has officially announced South African media personality and singer, Unathi Nkayi, as the face of its new season, marking a strategic move to expand its cultural and musical footprint across the continent. The announcement, made via a press release, positions Nkayi at the forefront of the brand’s upcoming campaigns and creative direction, as Loud In Africa continues to spotlight influential voices shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape. As part of the rollout, Nkayi is also set to release a new project on May 1, a development that is expected to generate significant anticipation among fans and industry stakeholders. The project will be distributed by Prime Music Partners, reinforcing a key partnership aimed at amplifying African music across global platforms. Founder of Loud In Africa, Akeju Abass Mubarak, described the collaboration as a defining moment for the brand’s evolution. “Bringing Unathi Nkayi on board as the face o...

     Akindele Liasu has committed significant founder capital to Keepaza, the Nigerian payment identity platform he founded under OH Mobility Solution Limited, following the restructuring of his UAE business operations under OH Mobility FZ LLC. The capital commitment marks a defining moment for the platform and signals the beginning of an aggressive growth phase for a product that has quietly been solving one of the most frustrating daily problems in Nigerian commerce.  The decision to liquidate overseas business interests and redirect the proceeds into a Nigerian startup is not a common one. Most founders move in the opposite direction. Akindele’s choice says something deliberate about where he believes the most important opportunity sits right now.  “Every day in Nigeria, millions of people are pasting their bank account numbers into WhatsApp chats with strangers, sharing their financial details publicly in Instagram DMs, and hoping nothing goes wrong,” said L...

    In many Nigerian households today, the question is no longer whether families earn income, but whether income arrives at the right time. For millions of urban workers, small business owners, and young professionals, cash-flow gaps between paydays often determine when essential needs can be met. Food and home essentials frequently become casualties of this timing mismatch. This reality is quietly reshaping the meaning of food security in Nigeria’s cities. Traditionally, food insecurity has been linked to lack of income. Today, however, many households face a different challenge: temporary liquidity constraints. Salaries may be delayed, payments tied up in receivables, or unexpected expenses may disrupt carefully planned budgets. The result is not necessarily poverty, but pressure. It is within this context that WeeStore introduces a structured alternative. Positioned as a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform for essentials, WeeStore bridges the gap between cash insufficiency ...

        Afrobeats, one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports, is set to gain further global attention as industry stakeholders converge in New York for the screening of Chronicles of Afrobeats, a project documenting the evolution and international impact of the genre. The event, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the iconic SOB’s NYC, will feature an exclusive screening followed by a high-level panel discussion involving key figures shaping the Afrobeats movement across continents. Founded by Abisagboola Oluseun John, professionally known as Bankulli, the initiative aims to provide a deeper narrative into the roots, growth, and future trajectory of Afrobeats, which has grown from a regional sound into a dominant force on the global music stage. Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Amanda Ota, a partner at Loud in Africa, emphasized the cultural and economic significance of the genre, stating, “Afrobeats is no longer just a sound; it is a global cultural mo...

          By Love Joke A partnership between MySCU and Canada’s London International Academy has led in the award of over CA$300,000 in scholarships to African students, marking one of several recent efforts to structure access to international secondary education from the continent. As reported by our editor,the  scholarships, delivered through MySCU’s Global Scholars Program (A-Teen Scholars Track), include five fully funded awards valued at CA$60,000 each, covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses. An additional ten students received full tuition scholarships valued at CA$30,000, while 45 others were awarded partial scholarships of CA$22,250. The five fully funded recipients are Gathigia Wahome (Kenya), Netanya Liro (Ethiopia), Mina Samir (Egypt), Joshua Oguntona (Nigeria), and Emerald Anario (Nigeria), all of whom will complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma at London International Academy.While scholarship programmes are not ne...

 Lagos based real estate developer Gate & Carter has announced a new residential project in Ikate, Lekki, adding to a pipeline that has positioned the company as one of the more technology-focused developers operating in the city's mid-to-upper residential market. Medallion Apartments Lekki will be a multi-floor mid-rise building offering a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom units. The developer has set a November 2026 completion target. Pricing has not been disclosed, though Gate & Carter is marketing pre-completion units at what it describes as early buyer rates. The project sits in Ikate, a district that has attracted growing developer interest as Lekki's commercial and residential footprint expands westward. Gate & Carter is pitching the development at Lagos professionals and families seeking apartments with integrated technology, a segment the company has built its brand around since its founding roughly six years ago. On the technology side, the building is s...

 By Ayodele Oyeniyi  From wedding photography to catering to venue booking one app simplifies event planning across 24 service categories with verified vendors, real portfolios, and secure payments. Planning an event in Nigeria still means navigating fragmented vendor networks, uncertain pricing, and the risk that your hired photographer won't show up or your caterer will deliver subpar work. The friction is real. Without a centralized platform, event planners whether couples planning weddings, families organizing naming ceremonies, or diaspora Nigerians coordinating from abroad rely on referrals, social media profiles, and hope. Vendors operating independently on Instagram and WhatsApp have no way to systematically reach customers or maintain booking accountability. The Celevend Solution Celevend addresses this directly. The mobile marketplace connects customers actively planning events with professionals across 24+ service categories: photography, catering, decoration, DJ se...

  Lagos based technology entrepreneur Walter Enyioha , founder of e‑Technologies, is urging Nigerian businesses to shift from reactive IT support to a proactive model, as cybercrime continues to cost the economy an estimated $500 million annually and regulatory fines under the Nigeria Data Protection Act reach ₦10 million per breach.“We’ve spent years on the ground repairing systems and watching businesses struggle with unexpected IT failures and security incidents,” said Walter Enyioha . “The reality is that waiting for something to break or worse, waiting for a ransomware attack is no longer sustainable.  The financial and reputational damage is too high.”To address this, e‑Technologies has developed e‑Tech 360, a managed IT service that bundles 24/7 endpoint monitoring, enterprise‑grade cybersecurity, and daily cloud backups into a fixed monthly fee, billed Locally.  The service is delivered through official partnerships with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky and b...

   Five-time GRAMMY-winning global music icon Angélique Kidjo has returned with a brand new single titled “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back)”, featuring Nigerian Afropop star Ayra Starr, in what is being described as a powerful cross-generational collaboration. The single, released on March 27, 2026, serves as a precursor to Kidjo’s highly anticipated album HOPE!!, scheduled for release on April 24 under Warner Music Group. The song blends rich African musical heritage with contemporary pop influences, delivering a message that redefines love as true wealth in a world often driven by materialism. Accompanied by a cinematic music video shot at the iconic Power Station Studio in New York, the visuals capture both artistes in an intimate performance setting, illuminated by candlelight and framed by a grand piano, reflecting the song’s central theme of love, connection, and emotional richness. The collaboration also tells a deeper story of inspiration and legacy. Ayra Starr, who has o...

      EV World Africa Delivers Electric School Bus Fleet to Abba's Heart Montessori School in Lagos In a landmark move for sustainable education in Nigeria, EV World Africa has successfully delivered an electric fleet to Abba's Heart Montessori School — marking one of the first major school fleet electrification projects in the country. EV World Africa, the continent's leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) solutions and sustainable transportation infrastructure, has announced the successful delivery of the first phase of it’s fleet transition project for Abba's Heart Montessori School in Lagos, Nigeria. The milestone project, now documented in a newly released video, demonstrates the practical and economic viability of electric transportation for schools and educational institutions across the country. The project involved a comprehensive assessment of the school's transportation needs, procurement of suitable electric vehicles, and the deployment of supporting ...