The silent prayers of many people during the yuletide season were answered as the Fauzia Obi Foundation donated food and other relief items to the less privileged in some communities across states in Nigeria.

Fauzia Obi Foundation is an emerging non-governmental organization with a vision to become one of the world’s largest international humanitarian organizations, committed to helping the less privileged, improve lives and empower poor people and communities through charity activities, poverty alleviation programs and empowerment schemes as well as medical outreaches .

In the spirit of Christmas, the charity organization visited numerous poor communities where farm produce, food and other items were distributed to individuals and households; bringing hope to the door steps of many people. Some of the beneficiary communities includes Nyanya, Jimeta and Makoko communities in Abuja, Yola and Lagos states respectively.

In her goodwill message, Fauzia Obi, the convener of the charity organization (Fauzia Obi Foundation) enjoined the people of the communities to never lose hope regardless of the hardships they face while reiterating the NGO’s commitment to continuously bring hope and respite to the poor and less privileged in the society.

The Fauzia Obi Foundation was founded in February 2021 by Fauzia Obi, a young altruistic humanitarian and Criminal Psychology undergraduate of Liberty University Virginia USA.

The Adamawa born philanthropist is passionate about combating poverty, creating and expanding opportunities for the less privileged as well as the empowerment of the girl child.

Members of the beneficiary communities expressed their joy and gratitude to the Fauzia Obi Foundation for the benevolent gesture while calling on government and other charity bodies to emulate the kind gesture .

Visit fauziaobi.org to learn more about the organization, it’s activities and to donate

HEADLINE
Perspectives, and Business Opportunities available for young Africans in Africa - Edem Farrie

In this piece, Eric Osiakwan, Kris Senanu, Sam Wanjohi, and Paul Barclay Okari,Fintech Entrepreneurs and investors from East Africa, speaks with Edem Farrie on how to be a part of African Continental Free Trade Agreement and why young entrepreneurs should work across the Africa continent.

ARTICLE
Africa is predicted to be one of the world’s largest economy's if all well documented shortcomings are addressed without further delays.
The 54 countries of Africa differ immensely geographically, politically, socially, economically, and culturally.

Facing a long history of colonization, language differences, and the present shadows of foreign influence, the governments of African countries have been working hard to find a common ground to speak a common trade language regardless of each country's individual challenges.
Few would dispute that corruption tops the list, which causes an inability to effectively tap into each countries human resources, and thus foster an environment of entrepreneurship, and confidence from  domestic and foreign investors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZrI3pGZpMk


Currently, the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and the ability to travel abroad, young African entrepreneurs can be conducting business in 54 African countries including Kenya, Tanzania.
That means with a negative covid test, visa (many of the countries are visa free to West Africans) a passport, flight/bus fare, and accommodation, you can do business anywhere across the Continent.

For members states on the continent, this means a highly anticipated wake- up call that will put their respective economies’ on the map against other economy's like that of the EU, China, and the United States etc,- AFCFTA.

The opportunities African Continental Free trade agreement presents to the young, hungry and budding entrepreneurs in Africa continue to hang in the balance; as so far, the pact signed by 54 African countries, ratified by 41 member states, and a wait on Eritrea to keep up is a highly anticipated agenda.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZrI3pGZpMk



The African Continental Free trade Agreement holds the potential of connecting 1.3 billion people across the continent with an economic powerhouse of US$3.4 trillion to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. 

Highlighting on this Eric Osiakwan, managing partner of Chanzo Capital believes the African continent offers a market for young entrepreneurs to leverage on technology to lead innovative businesses.  In effect, they have made investments in some businesses in east, west and south of Africa and are working with governments within the sub-region to create a conducive environment for startups to thrive.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRDr9oPKjHc

According to Kris Senanu , cross-border trade in the East of Africa has been made easier with the use of a common currency. However, for the survival of the pact, member countries should encourage the use of digital currencies. He also added that, an increase in travel experience for young Africans will broaden their knowledge to work with each other hence positively impacting the economies. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiLzqmVgKEE


Emphasising on the importance of digital payment platform, Paul Barclay Okari, CEO of FinAccess says, it makes the transfer of money on the continent easier; however,  to ensure consumers are confident and secure on these digital payment platforms, there is the need to continuously build the platforms to minimise the occurrence of fraud within the cyber space. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVjzg2EFzQY

According to Sam Wanjohi CEO of Popote Pay, young entrepreneurs should master their art in order to reap the benefits of a unified economy. He also impressed on governments to look beyond their interests and focus on the pact with optimism. 

As African youths move towards entrepreneurship necessitated by a lack of jobs in the public sector, these young leaders have already began blazing the trail, a move worthy of emulation. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQihzf2aatY


Edem Farrie is a seasoned Ghanaian journalist and reporter with GHOne News - GHOne TV.

Micheal Obinna Nwabufo (popularly known as Mike Premium), the convener of New Light Of Today’s Leaders Initiative (NETLIN) a youth non-governmental organization in Nigeria has called for the total overhaul of the 1999 Constitution because it does not reflect the complexities and needs of the modern day Nigeria and further attempts at amending could be a waste of effort.

Speaking at an event in Lagos recently, the talent and brand management mogul said replacing the 1999 constitution with a new constitution that addresses the current state and complexities of the country is the first step towards keeping this nation together because all efforts at amending the constitution to reflect these changes has proved unproductive.

In his words, “Several of Nigeria’s challenges are attributed to perceived imbalances and inadequacies of the constitution.
Attempts to amend the constitution to really address the imbalances have proved abortive so why not try and sit down and fashion out something new that will accept and address our problems.”

Furthermore, he says only a new constitution can foster unity among the many ethnic and political division lines visible in the country now.

He therefore called for a constitution that will see to social welfare, equality and political accountability.

He, however called for more youth involvement in grassroots politics saying that is the only way fresh ideas that solves current problems can be injected into grassroots governance.

According to him, youth involvement is key to positive change in the political and government systems.

Michael Obinna Nwabufo also know as Mike Premium is a seasoned brand/talent manager, auto spare parts dealer and the convener of New Light Of Today’s Leader Initiative (NETLIN YOUTHS IN POLITICS ).

New Light Of Today’s Leader Initiative (NETLIN YOUTHS IN POLITICS) is a non-governmental/ non profit organization and a network of over 5 million youths across the country driving for massive youth inclusion in politics through awareness programmes, empowerment schemes and mentorship programmes.

Multi talented producer and artist Citiboi and DMW’s finest Idowest combined to make a banging tag team on this 4 track hardcore rap mixtape titled “Don’t Be A Sadist”.

It is safe to say that rap music isn’t dead afterall as Citiboi and Idowest delivered heavy lyrical jabs in this creative body of work.

Don’t Be A Saddist Mixtape is coming following the success of Citiboi’s first body of work “20 Minutes Cruise”.

DBAS mixtape features Sina Rambo with Citiboi, Holargold and Koobiryn getting production and mastering credits.
Available on all platforms

Vuga Music Inc, a Nigerian music publishing company with branch in Nebraska USA has announced its partnership with Capital Entertainment a renowned entertainment outfit in Abuja, to support the best talent at the upcoming Capital Family Funfair with 1 million naira worth of music promotion and distribution services.

Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing recently in Lagos, Lawal Adebisi, the Head of Marketing of Vuga Music Inc says the partnership with Capital Entertainment for the event is in line with the company’s corporate goal to be the leading outfit in music distribution, label administration, data maintenance, and Publishing Royalty collection services for creatives and labels as well.

The Capital Family Fun Fair which is scheduled to hold on the 29th of May at the Harrow Park in Central Wuse, Abuja.

It is a family event designed to create a fun and relaxation ambience where people of diverse ages, family background and races can socialize and ease off stress while also showcasing their talents for the Grand Prize of 1Million naira in music distribution and promotion services by Vuga Music Inc.

Speaking on the mode of entry for the talent hunt at the event, Capital Entertainment enjoined participants to make a video showcasing their talents, upload on Instagram while following and tagging @thecapitalfunfair, @thecapitalfamilyfunhouse and @VugaMusicinc as the best 3 entries stands the chance to win the grand prize.

Vuga Music Inc is fast becoming the leading publishing and music distribution platform in Africa with artists like 9ice, Terry Tha Rapman, Sauce Kid, Davolee, DA Great, Bode Blaq are topping the list of clients of the outfit.

The star studded event will feature performances by Mayorkun, Magnito, Da Great amongst a host of other top acts with guest appearance by Ike Onyema of Big Brother Naija.

The sudden emergence of Agidigbo 88.7 fm, supposedly owned by A veteran Presenter Oriyomi Hamzat came as a rude shock to most radio owners in Ibadan.

While some existing radio stations are already struggling with keeping up with the highly competitive market of radio proprietorship in the brown roof city, a few have maintained their relevance in the media space.

Agidigbo FM started on a very high note and has left other radio station inquisitive about who is truly behind the radio station.

A few things distinguished them even at the test transmission stage, Firstly No one was expecting a radio presenter to own a radio station considering the fact that it’s capital intensive and the brain behind Agidigbo FM Oriyomi hamzat is already a household name in the radio/ tv media space with so much influence and listenership.

Poaching is a common strategy any serious newly established radio station will employ to drag attention to themselves but Agidigbo FM almost went over board, poaching the likes of Akinyemi Soul from Fresh FM, Sekinat and Seun Ejodoku Mr D law from Naija FM, GRA from Inspiration FM it’s also important to note that a few of them were poorly managed by their former employers.

The true radio listeners in Ibadan are the indigenous people within the state, Agidigbo FM’s program, style of presentation, slogan and even the name was deliberately designed to attract this set of people to not just listen but feel they finally have a radio station they can call their own. (Ohun Ara Ilu).

Micro drivers, mechanic villages , petrol stations have embraced Agidigbo FM over others perhaps because some of the Commercial drivers were given free fuel during the radio stations transmission at a time where there was hike in PMS price or the joy of finally having to see a radio presenter own a radio station.

Their Opening was of a grand style as the Executive Governor of Oyo state Engineer Seyi Makinde was present to officially open the radio station with other high profiled individuals in the society.

Agidigbo FM has the youngest Head of station in the history of radio media in Ibadan (Grey Yousuph), Gave a brown new car to some of their employers, currently running a viable real estate business and To cap it all they broadcast 24hrs, has presence in the online media and digital streaming platforms which is the future of the new media.

This beginning is truly intimidating the question is, can they sustain this momentum?

Written by

Charles Alade.