Let’s be real: most of us have been drinking the same kind of tea since we were in secondary school — Lipton with sugar, sometimes milk, always vibes. And while there’s nothing wrong with that nostalgic yellow-label brew, it might be time for your taste buds to grow up.
Say hello to TeaStoria — the tea brand serving bold flavour, real wellness, and a lot of personality in every cup. Whether you’re the “soft life only” sipper or the “I need something to keep me from throwing my laptop away” worker, TeaStoria might just become your next healthy obsession.
Ready to level up your tea game? Here are five reasons TeaStoria might just be the glow-up your mug deserves.
Classic bubble tea
This is the OG. The one that started it all. A creamy, slightly sweet black tea base shaken with milk, sugar, and packed with chewy black tapioca pearls. Every sip feel like a reward.
Signature tea
If you’re adventurous and like to try new things, there are varieties of TeaStoria tea for you. From Teastoria Soot Boba to Creamy Cocoa, you’re in for a treat of flavour-forward teas. And the names are fun tea.
You can customise too
At TeaStoria, every drink is your canvas. Want it less sweet? No problem. More pearls? Say less. Oat milk instead of dairy? You have options.
Go wild, build your drink and be the main character.
Seasonal Specials
From hibiscus petals in dry season to ginger-spiced blends during harmattan, each drink is crafted to match the weather, your energy, and your taste buds.
These aren’t your everyday orders; they’re limited-edition. Come sip the season before it disappears.
The best tea brand
In case you didn’t know, when TeaStoria opened in 2019, it became one of the first local tea brands to introduce bubble tea to Nigeria.
If anything, always go with the trailblazers. They know their tea.
The Nigerian skincare industry just witnessed a major milestone with the official launch of Eucerin, the globally recognised dermatological skincare brand by Beiersdorf, makers of NIVEA. Held at the prestigious Marriott Hotel in Lagos on Friday March 28, 2025, the event brought together dermatologists, skincare experts, pharmacists, and beauty enthusiasts for an immersive experience into the science of safe and effective skincare.
L-R: Country Manager, Beiersdorf Nigeria, Oladele Adeyole; Regional Medical Manager, Africa & Middle East, Beiersdorf, Nathalie Gemayel; Consultant Dermatologist, UPTH & President, Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, Prof. Altraide Dandeson; Commercial Marketing Manager, Central, East & West Africa (CEWA), Beiersdorf, Victor Okafor; Consultant Dermatologist, LUTH & Vice President, Nigerian Association of Dermatologists, Dr. Ayesha Akinkugbe; General Manager, CEWA, Beiersdorf, Mathieu Levasseur, and United Kingdom’s award winning dermatologist and laser consultant, Prof. Firas Al Niami at the launch of Beiersdorf’s Eucerin in Ikeja, Lagos recently
For decades, many Nigerians have turned to harsh, unregulated bleaching products in the quest for even-toned skin. Recognising this challenge, Beiersdorf Nigeria introduced its Eucerin range of scientifically proven products with Thiamidol, a groundbreaking molecule designed to treat hyperpigmentation at its root without compromising the skin’s natural beauty. Unlike hydroquinone and other skin-lightening agents, Thiamidol is a safe, long-term solution that preserves the skin’s normal melanocytes, ensuring that Black skin remains beautiful and healthy.
Country Manager for Beiersdorf Nigeria, Oladele Adeyole, emphasised the urgency of addressing skin bleaching, referencing a 2021 NAFDAC warning about its prevalence. “Beauty is no longer just about healthcare and well-being; it has become a moral issue that needs to be addressed,” he stated, highlighting the need for safe, dermatologically-approved skincare solutions.
Beiersdorf’s General Manager for Central, East and West Africa, Mathieu Levasseur, reinforced the company’s long-standing presence in Nigeria through the NIVEA brand and expressed excitement about expanding with Eucerin, bringing a brand that is rooted in dermatological science and innovation.
A Journey Rooted in Science
One of the event’s highlights was an in-depth presentation by Beiersdorf’s Regional Medical Manager, Nathalie Gemayel, who took the audience through Eucerin’s history, dating back to 1882. “From pioneering the first dermatological skincare solutions to today’s innovations, Eucerin remains committed to efficacy, proof, and scientific advancement. We sell a product every two seconds globally because our solutions work”, Gemayel shared.
The science of Eucerin’s new range was further explored by renowned UK-based Consultant Dermatologist and Laser Specialist, Prof. Firas Al-Niaimi. He explained how Beiersdorf remains the only skincare brand in the world capable of testing human Tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. By targeting this enzyme, Thiamidol effectively treats hyperpigmentation without relying on aggressive top-layer removal methods.
Beyond its scientific benefits, Eucerin’s new treatment is:
A safer alternative to hydroquinone
Designed to target only problem areas without affecting normal pigmentation
Non-toxic to melanocytes, preserving the integrity of Black skin
Safe for long-term use, including during pregnancy
Free from systemic absorption, ensuring safety at all levels
Real Results from Real Users
There were testimonials from users who had already experienced Eucerin’s products. Angela and Helen, two attendees, shared their journeys with the Day and Night Cream, Triple Effect Serum, SPF 50+ Sun & Blue Light Protection Cream, and Dual Serum. Their stories reinforced the effectiveness of the products, further solidifying Eucerin’s impact in the Nigerian skincare space.
A panel discussion was also led by Prof. Firas Al-Niaimi featuring top dermatologists, including Prof. Ayesha Akinkugbe, Dr. Cynthia Ebie, and Dr. Omatighene Enovo Obaro. The discussion covered product application, dosage, effectiveness, and the economic advantages of dermatologically approved treatments. They also emphasised the superior efficacy of Thiamidol, selected as the best human Tyrosinase inhibitor out of over 50,000 compounds.
A Grand Unveiling and an Exciting Future
As the event drew to a close, attendees witnessed a digital unveiling of the new Eucerin range, followed by interactive breakout sessions where they got hands-on experience with the products.
Dignitaries present included Prof. Dasetima Altraide, President of the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD), along with several esteemed dermatologists and pharmaceutical professionals. Their presence underscored the significance of this launch and its potential impact on skincare in Nigeria.
With Eucerin’s entry into the Nigerian market, Beiersdorf is championing a shift towards science-backed skincare that is safe, effective, and designed for diverse skin types. As more Nigerians seek solutions that nurture rather than damage their skin, Eucerin stands at the forefront, offering trusted dermatological care for the long term.
Everyone loves premium – premium lifestyle, premium products and premium experiences, especially when it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s exactly what the Infinix NOTE 50 brings to the table: a premium smartphone experience that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. At a time when flagship devices often come with six-figure price tags, the NOTE 50 delivers style, speed, and smarts, all wrapped in a budget-friendly package.
If you’ve been waiting for a phone that looks high-end and performs like a flagship device without breaking the bank, here’s why the Infinix NOTE 50 should be your next upgrade:
Looks That Turn Heads
Today’s smartphones are part of our personal style, and the Infinix NOTE 50 is built to stand out. Its sleek, industrial design is crafted from a blend of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminium, making it as durable as it is eye-catching. Whether you’re at work, at play, or showing off your latest fit, this phone holds its own in any setting.
AI That Actually Helps
There’s AI, and then there’s Folax. With just a long-press of the power button, Infinix’s intelligent assistant comes to life, voiced by none other than Davido. From translating voice and text to summarising articles, auto-answering your calls, or identifying landmarks with Google’s Circle to Search, the Note 50’s One-Tap AI makes your phone feel less like a gadget and more like a personal assistant.
It doesn’t stop there. Folax is built to help with productivity, creativity, and even health insights, all with an intuitive, screen-aware system that understands what you need, when you need it.
Battery Life That Keeps Up With Your Lifestyle
Say goodbye to battery anxiety. The NOTE 50 packs a 5200mAh battery that delivers reliable all-day power. And when you do need a charge, the 45W wired and 30W wireless charging options guarantees a fast safe charge. Infinix NOTE 50 also supports reverse wireless charging, so you can power other devices even when you’re on the move.
From early meetings to late-night scrolling, the NOTE 50 is built to keep up.
Studio-Quality Sound on the Go
Ever plugged in and felt like you were transported to your own private concert? That’s the NOTE 50 experience. Tuned by JBL, the dual stereo speakers deliver immersive 360° audio with deep bass and crisp vocals. Whether it’s music, movies, or meetings, you’ll hear every detail loud and clear.
Camera That Captures It All
Everyone loves a good picture, whether you’re documenting your day or creating content. The NOTE 50’s 50MP Sony IMX890 main lens brings your shots to life with vibrant colour and sharp detail, even in low light.
Whether you are a content creator or someone who just loves pictures, the Infinix NOTE 50 is your spec.
One of the Best Value Phones of 2025
Infinix isn’t just playing catch-up, they’re setting a new standard. At ₦311,500, the Note 50 blends aesthetic appeal, powerful AI, and forward-thinking features, all in one beautifully crafted device.
If you’re looking for a smartphone that’s stylish, smart, and future-ready without the premium price tag, the Infinix NOTE 50 is designed specifically for you
The Infinix Note 50 and Note 50 Pro are available at authorised retailers nationwide.
For more information about Infinix Nigeria’s initiatives and products, please visit www.infinixmobility.com/ng and follow @InfinixNigeria on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
Creativity is Your Capital: How to Bank on Your Talent Legally
In the digital age, creativity is no longer just a passion, it’s capital. In Nigeria, where music, film, fashion, design, and content creation are booming industries, our artists are sitting on untapped wealth. But there’s a catch: without legal knowledge and protection, your talent is like money under a leaking roof, slowly washing away.
To truly “bank” on your talent, you must treat it as an asset. And just like any valuable asset- land, gold, or company shares, it must be protected, structured, and leveraged wisely.
The Creative Boom in Nigeria and Its Hidden Risks
From Afrobeats dominating global charts to Nollywood’s Netflix invasion, Nigerian creatives are now global exports. Yet, many of these same creatives are locked in disputes over royalties, rights, and revenue. Why? Because contracts are signed without legal advice. Intellectual property is left unregistered. Revenue streams are misunderstood or ignored.
This needs to change. The first step is recognizing your creativity as capital and the next is learning how to protect and monetize that capital.
Start with the Basics: Protect Your Work
The foundation of financial success as a creative is legal protection; and this starts with intellectual property (IP).
Under Nigerian law, your creative output can be protected as:
Design rights (for fashion, product packaging, digital interfaces)
Patents (for inventions or innovative production techniques)
When you protect your work, you create exclusive rights and those rights can make you money.
Revenue Streams Every Creative Should Know
Once your work is protected, it becomes a revenue-generating asset. Here are some ways Nigerian creatives can earn:
Licensing: You can allow others to use your work- for example, a song, image, video, script, etc. for a fee. For example, a brand using your track in their ad must pay for a license. Licensing can be exclusive (only one licensee) or non-exclusive (many users).
Royalties: If your music plays on radio or is streamed online, you are entitled to royalties. Nigeria has Collective Management Organisations (CMOs) like COSON and Reprographic Rights Organisation of Nigeria (REPRONIG) that manage this, but many creatives don’t register or follow up.
Merchandising: Think beyond your music or art- put your brand on t-shirts, mugs, or events. This is especially powerful for artists with strong followings.
Digital Distribution: Platforms like YouTube, Audiomack, Boomplay, Spotify, and Apple Music offer income, but you need to register, manage your content, and track your payouts
Public Performance Fees: If your work is performed live or used in public (clubs, concerts, malls), you may be entitled to performance fees or royalties.
Don’t Just Sign the Contract – Understand It
Too often, young creatives sign away their future in a rush to “blow.” Some record labels or media houses offer quick fame but take permanent control of your work, name, and profits.
Before signing any contract:
Consult a lawyer who understands entertainment/IP law.
Understand ownership clauses- are they buying your rights or licensing them?
Watch for vague royalty structures, lifetime commitments, and restrictive terms.
A good contract should protect both parties, not enslave one.
Form Strategic Partnerships, Not Just Deals
Collaborations are powerful. You may need a manager, distributor, lawyer, designer, or promoter but choose wisely. Make sure your roles, percentages, and decision-making rights are clearly stated in writing.
It’s not about finding the “biggest” partner- it’s about finding the right one with the right structure.
Invest in Legal Literacy
This doesn’t mean you must become a lawyer. But at the very least, understand the value of your rights and what you’re giving up in any deal.
Attend creative business workshops. Follow legal professionals on social media. Read up on IP law (many WIPO and Nigerian copyright guides are free online). Engage your lawyer early- not when there’s a dispute.
Creativity is Global – So Should Your Strategy Be
With the internet, your work doesn’t stop at Lagos or Abuja. Your content can trend in London, Johannesburg, or Los Angeles. That means your protection and monetization strategy must also be global.
You can:
Register your trademarks internationally through cross-jurisdictional platforms like OAPI, ARIPO, under the WIPO Madrid System, etc.
Join global digital royalty collection agencies like Distrokid.
Seek international licensing or sync deals (e.g., for Netflix, video games, ads).
Final Word: Don’t Just Create — Own and Control
In a world where ideas are currency, your creativity is your capital. Don’t leave it exposed. Don’t give it away cheaply. And don’t rely only on hype and followers.
Register your rights. Read your contracts. Know your worth.
Because talent feeds the dream — but the law protects the bag!
Every Nigerian friend group knows this struggle: grand plans are made in the group chat, girls’ trips, birthday turn-ups, funding a bestie’s business, but somehow, life (and account balance) gets in the way.
But Zedcrest Wealth is changing that with POOL, a smart, fun, and commitment-friendly way to save together, stay accountable, and even earn rewards while at it. Here are five things you need to know about it.
Why POOL?
POOL is designed from the idea of pooling money with friends, which is nothing new. It takes the stress out of group savings, ensuring transparency and making everyone stay committed while automating the process for ease.
Whether it’s a squad vacation, a business investment, or a cause that matters, POOL keeps the plan on track. This is one great way to structure your soft life.
How it works
If you’re curious about how POOL works, it’s the easiest thing you can do. All you have to do is create a POOL account, set a savings goal, and invite your squad, AKA friend group.
You can also schedule your contributions daily, weekly, or monthly. All at the tips of your fingers.
Great interest rate
POOL doesn’t just keep your money safe, it grows it at a 16% per annum interest rate. POOL makes sure your squad stays on track, automates contributions, and even throws in rewards to keep you going. No more ‘next year’ plans, just action.
More rewards
If you commit to your saving goals, you will earn streaks that you can turn into rewards. You can even convert your streaks into coins that can be redeemed for Chowdeck and Uber vouchers, helping you save on transport and food.
There’s a POOL challenge
In case you are not informed, the Zedcrest Pool Challenge is getting spicier. From April to May, friends across Nigeria can form squads, save towards a goal, and compete for a ₦1 million reward monthly to split among the winning team. All you need to do is save with your squads a minimum of 500k and stand a chance to win an additional one million naira.
Conclusion
POOL is more than just savings; it’s a financial accountability hack that brings people together. Whether you’re a corporate girly saving for a team retreat or a creative trying to fund your next big project, there’s a POOL for you. And with streak rewards that literally cover your food and transport costs, there’s no reason to miss a goal.
If you’re looking to join the movement, start your POOL here.
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TekForce Connect, a groundbreaking global digital event, is set to launch on September 4th and 5th, 2025, promising to be the premier virtual destination for tech professionals, industry leaders, and forward-thinking companies from across Africa, North America, Europe and Asia.
Building on the success of its impactful smaller digital events, TekForce Connect 2025 will empower attendees with unparalleled insights, invaluable networking opportunities, and direct access to the emerging trends shaping the tech industry. This dynamic two-day conference is designed to catalyze career growth, providing a platform to engage with renowned industry experts, connect with recruiters from leading organizations, and collaborate with fellow innovators.
“TekForce Connect 2025 is about creating a vibrant ecosystem where ambition meets opportunity,” says Dr. Fin Dittimi, Convener of TekForce Connect 2025. “We’re building a platform for professionals to gain the knowledge and connections they need to thrive and for businesses to tap into a rich vein of global talent and innovation. This event is designed to spark growth, foster collaboration, and shape the future of work, together,” he added.
Attendees can anticipate a rich program featuring expert-led discussions, interactive career development workshops, and targeted networking sessions, all designed to provide practical tools and knowledge for navigating today’s evolving digital landscape.
TekForce Connect 2025 already has a distinguished initial lineup of speakers representing diverse sectors within the tech and business industry:
Mona Mariam: Director, National Bank of Canada – Expertise:Fintech, Digital Transformation
Fin Dittimi (PhD): Convener, TekForce Connect – Expertise:Artificial Intelligence, Digital Transformation, Career Development, Entrepreneurship
Diavin Miller: Director of Operations, CP Planning – Expertise: Operations Management, Project Management, Customer Experience
Althea Blake: The Corporate Doctor, Shekinah Roots – Expertise: Leadership Development, Organizational Health, Professional Growth
These influential voices will share their unique perspectives on critical topics, including the future of work, the transformative power of artificial intelligence, and the latest emerging tech trends. Attendees can participate in practical sessions focused on honing essential skills, advancing their careers, and connecting directly with recruiters and like-minded professionals from around the globe.
Early registration for TekForce Connect 2025 is now open, offering a chance to secure your spot at this must-attend virtual event. Register FREE today at tekforceconnect.com
The full agenda and an expanded speaker lineup will be unveiled on the website in the coming weeks. Stay connected and join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT TEKFORCE
TekForce Connect is a global platform dedicated to empowering professionals with the digital skills, career opportunities, and industry insights needed to navigate the evolving world of work. Through dynamic virtual sessions, strategic recruitment initiatives, and collaborative knowledge-sharing, TekForce Connect is shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
Whether it’s work, Lagos traffic, or an unexpected debit alert, stress finds a way to creep in. But how do you handle it? Do you cry in the shower, binge-watch K-drama, or pretend everything is fine while aggressively eating a bowl of hot meal with Addmie ?
Take this quiz and we’ll tell you how you handle stress when it comes around.
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On this edition of Interview With, we sit down with the delectable Boubou to get to know her and find out how she has rebranded from being the Aunties’ best piece of clothing to now being in hot demand for Millennials and Gen Z baddies alike.
Interviewer:It’s so rad to sit down with you Boubou. How are you doing this lovely afternoon?
Boubou: I’m doing alright & you?
Interviewer: I’m alright. Before we proceed, how would you like to be addressed? Resident Baddie? Rich Aunty Uniform? Hider of Pregnancies?
Boubou: Please don’t insort me boubou is okay. Or Kaftan if we’re in Abuja, the north, or Dakar.
Interviewer: Great. Can you tell us how you’ve managed to rebrand from a comfort outfit for aunties to a stylish piece for corporate baddies and bad bishes?
Boubou: So one thing you gotta realise is that you can rebrand yourself as many times as you like in this life. Also, I don’t necessarily see it as a rebrand. I’ve always been that girl. You people are just catching up.
Interviewer: That leads me to a more interesting question. Boubous used to be for just the girlies, but even the guys and the gworls wear it now. What do you have to say about this?
Boubou: Absolutely nothing. The earliest versions of boubous were the royal kaftans worn by Kings & Queens. We don’t use to discriminate in the boubou family. All genders are welcome dear.
Interviewer: Let’s talk briefly about the gentrification of boubous. What do you have to say about the ridiculous cost of boubous these days?
Boubou: My dear, if you ask me, na who I go ask? But for me, I see boubou pieces as works of art and art really is priceless. To each their own.
Additionally, there are boubous for every income range in the Nigerian market.
My only issh is that I want more fashion brands to get creative and not just be copying the same boubou design and charging high for imitation.
Interviewer: What is your favourite translation of yourself by Fashion Houses?
Boubou: Let me not lie. There are a couple of people who are interpreting me just right on women’s bodies, but my current favorite is Bloomwomenswear collection of Boubous. Have you seen the fashunsssss?
Interviewer: We heard you have some cases in court. You have been accused of the debaddification of baddies. What do you have to say for yourself?
Boubou: See, it’s not my fault that the girlies like freedom and I can provide that.
By the way, (she leans in and whispers) Have you seen the way the yansh use to shake inside boubou? Dey play.
Interviewer: Asides social crimes, you’ve also been accused of fraud. Are you into yahoo?
Boubou: The people who say I have helped people hide pregnancies, an inadequate sense of style or help broke people look like they have money are just gbeboruns. Why are you into gbegborun?
Interviewer: Now, the love for you is insane on the streets. Why do you think women love you?
Boubou: What’s there not to love? I’m a versatile queen. I can make a woman or babe look regal, sexy, fun, and flirty. Not having a piece of me in your wardrobe means you don’t know what is going on in your fashion life. You may need to get checked for fashion depression or broke-nitis. Again, I’m just that babe fr.
Interviewer:Do you have issues with non-Africans having a piece of you?
Boubou: Why would I? There’s enough of me to go round. Everyone can get some.
Interviewer: (Laughs) I agree. Where will we catch you next?
Boubou:(lowers her sunshades) You know I’m always out and about. But you’ll definitely find me on Bloomwomenswear website or their Instagram. They have this really nice Amore pants that I’ve been eyeing.
Interviewer: Alright. We may check it out ourselves. Thank you for your time.
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The Kwara State Government has disclosed how it attracted IHS Nigeria, one of the world’s largest independent multinational tower companies, to partner with them to build and equip the Ilorin Innovation Hub, considered the first of its kind in West Africa and the best thing to emanate from north-central Nigeria.
Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs. Folashade Omoniyi made this known while featuring in a fireside chat staged as part of activities for the program kick-off of the Hub. According to her, it all started in May 2020 when the Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq-led administration in the State stopped demanding the N300 million being generated annually from Right of Way permit to telecom operators who want to lay fibre optic cable in the state.
The decision, according to her, was taken to incentivise possibilities and prospects which such digital infrastructure holds for the people of Kwara. IHS Nigeria was almost being extorted of the discontinued levy by some phony consultants before they met with the Internal Revenue Service boss who advised them against paying the purported license fee. In line with the directive of the Governor, she asked the company to only pay one naira (N1) per kilometer for the sake of paperwork.
While corroborating Mrs. Omoniyi’s disclosure at the same fireside chat, the Chief Operating Officer of IHS Nigeria, Kazeem Oladepo disclosed that they had to step into the Ilorin Innovation Hub project of the State Government following their Chief Executive Officer, Mohamad Darwish’s disposition that IHS Nigeria gives something in return to any state that grants them waivers of some sort or eases their operations. This is even as the sustainability ring to the government’s initiative further piqued the interest of IHS Towers since Sustainability is among the organisation’s core values.
L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Executive Chairman, Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Mrs. Folashade Omoniyi; and Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, IHS Nigeria, Kazeem Oladepo, during a fireside chat at the program’s kickoff of the Ilorin Innovation Hub, powered by IHS, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Unique Value Propositions of the State-of-The-Art Facility
Earlier at a press conference, the project manager, Gbenga Adegbiji disclosed that “The total land mass is about 13,000 square meters. The footprint of the building is about 4874 square meters and can host about 700 people in terms of capacity. One thing that is unique about this innovation is the fact that it is all green. We have about 631 units of 555KW Solar PV panels which powers the entire building. Put in context, this system will power about 200 units of three-bedroom flats from this building. That is the capacity you are having here.
Frontal view of the Ilorin Innovation Hub
“About 584 megawatts of annual energy yield is being generated here with solar and we have about 600 kilowatt per hour of battery storage system. Looking at what it costs to be on Band A in Lagos, this is about N120 millions of energy savings, thanks to the power of IHS. If you look at it in terms of the over all lifespan of the energy storage system, you will be saving over N2 billion per annum.
“The cooling system consists of 96 units of DX cooling systems. To put it in context, you can actually power about eight units of four-bedroom flat from this building and this is supported by the solar system. What this means is that the Hub does not need to be connected to a generator. This is so that the over all cost of operation can actually be minimized.”
L-R: Head of Digital Health Innovations, Co-creation Hub (CcHub), Stephanie Okpere; Chief Executive Officer, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish; and Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, during the press conference announcing the program kickoff at the Ilorin Innovation Hub on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
While assuring of efficient management of the facilities, Adegbiji stated that they are poised to correct the impression that there is lack of maintenance culture in Nigeria. To prove this, they will ensure that every component of the infrastructure installed in the Ilorin Innovation Hub remains exactly the same way it is for the next 10 years.
The press conference was followed by a facility tour where the Hub’s managing director, Temi Kolawole led the Governor’s representative and commissioner for tertiary education, Dr. Mary Ande, the IHS Nigeria chief executive officer Mohamad Darwish, and other dignitaries round the architectural masterpiece. He explained that open spaces inside the building are without ceiling to accord the complex industrial feel, adding that the designs, porches, lounges, seminar/conference rooms and general ambience are to induce creativity, fertilization of ideas and digital innovation.
A facility tour of the Innovation Hub
The Unicorn-incubating Hub Welcomes All Nigerians with Ideas
During the main event of the day, IHS Nigeria boss told the story of the Company’s humble beginning of owning just one telecom mast in Nigeria into having 39,428 telecom towers across different continents of the world and being listed in the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). He said that he expects the Ilorin Innovation Hub to be the trajectory of startups which after being incubated in Ilorin, will become unicorns few years later.
The chief executive maintained that if IHS Towers which didn’t have such support system in its formative years could become the biggest Africa-based company to ever list on the NYSE, techpreneurs who will be passing through the Ilorin Innovation Hub programs can.
According to Darwish, “Nigeria can create companies that can compete globally. This Hub is meant to create several mini IHS’s that will start small and grow to become global superpowers. This Hub is open to people from Kwara State, but I also have to say it is also open to people from across Nigeria. We have to open it to everyone and see how we can enable people from Katsina to Imo to Abia to everywhere to come to this place and benefit from it.
“This place is supposed to welcome people who want to know something; they may have an interest in AI. You have an interest in learning something? Come to this Hub, enroll for some of the courses, learn the basics and if you like it, go on and become an expert. You want to come up with an idea? Come to this Hub, meet with people like you, figure out which is the best idea and then this Hub will help you set up your company and put it on track.
“The Hub will help you even talk to financiers who could be interested in financing your company and give you funding. This was not available for companies like IHS. This is why we are investing in this Hub because we want to remove difficulties and challenges preventing young Nigerians from pursuing their dreams.”
A Leisurely End to the Pleasant Day
Winners of the Art Hackathon with the Chief Executive Officer, IHS Nigeria, Mohamad Darwish
The program launch of the Ilorin Innovation Hub had a perfect finishing with a Soiree that held outdoors in the cool of the day. It was a time to unwind, the highpoint of which was the celebration of the Art Hackathon winners whose drawings and paintings will adorn the hallway and lobby of the Hub building.
While 125 applicants entered the competition, 25 paintings were shortlisted, 10 emerged as winners for their masterpieces which the Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla upheld as a reflection of the impressive talent that resides in Kwara State.
In no particular order, the winners are as follows: Stephen Ifebajo, Oluremi David, Alani Timilehin, Oluwatobiloba Ogunjobi, Endurance Oye, Yusuf Abdulateef, Ifeanyi Ofemeje, Kabir Isah, Iyowu Michael, Solomon Okehi. After they had all walked the gathering through the thought process that inspired their works, each of the visual artists received five hundred thousand naira (N500,000) prize money from IHS Nigeria.
Unified Cloud Services (UCS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Unified State Group (USG), is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Qucoon, a leading Nigeria-based Cloud and AI consulting firm. This collaboration will accelerate Cloud computing adoption and artificial intelligence integration across the Sub-Saharan Africa and MENA regions, fostering rapid modernisation and innovation for organisations in these regions.
As businesses in Africa and the Middle East look to modernise and stay competitive, UCS and Qucoon will provide the expertise and resources necessary for leapfrog advancements—allowing organizations to bypass traditional technological growth stages and adopt cutting-edge Cloud and AI solutions. This partnership will help drive economic development and technological transformation across industries, enabling them to operate more efficiently and unlock new opportunities.
“We are honored to partner with Qucoon to bring world-class Cloud and AI consulting services to Africa and the Middle East,” said Tyreek Moore, Founding Partner of Unified State Group. “Qucoon’s deep understanding of the local landscape, combined with their technical expertise, makes them an invaluable partner in helping these regions embrace the full potential of Cloud and AI.”
“We are excited by the opportunity that this partnership offers us to provide the most needed values and help shape the future of public and private sector services by leveraging our investment in people, infrastructure and technology”, said Yinka Daramola, the CEO of Qucoon. “We look forward to helping businesses and governments leapfrog, by firing on all cylinders of Cloud and AI. The timing couldn’t have been better”
Qucoon’s local expertise, combined with UCS’s global reach and resources, will provide unprecedented support for the digital transformation of businesses, governments, and industries across Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region. This partnership marks a significant step toward promoting sustainable development, economic growth, and technological innovation in these key regions.
For more information about Unified Cloud Services and its partnership with Qucoon, please visit www.unifiedcloudservices.com
About Unified Cloud Services (UCS)
Unified Cloud Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Unified State Group, delivers end-to-end cloud computing solutions that help organizations enhance their operational efficiency and harness the power of Cloud and AI technologies.
About Qucoon
Qucoon is a Nigeria-headquartered technology and consulting firm specializing in Technology, Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence. Qucoon designs and engineers innovative digital products and provides comprehensive Cloud strategy consulting, migration, optimization, modernization and solution development services, empowering organizations to achieve their business goals.
About Unified State Group (USG)
Unified State Group (USG) is a leading Global Economic Development, Impact Investment, and Strategic Advisory firm dedicated to the digital, energy, and economic transformation of the continent of Africa, the acceleration of emerging markets, and the aligned participation of Fortune Private and Public Sector organizations.
