Aurora Tech Award, a worldwide prize for female founders of IT and Tech Startups, and inDrive’s empowering opportunity for female startup founders in tech, took to the Lagos Startup Week stage on Thursday, July 11 2024 to recognize five powerful female founders and finalists of its recently concluded annual global prize.

The inclusive organization bridging the funding gap for female founders in tech by breaking down barriers and promoting equality in tech entrepreneurship received 649 applications from female participants across the globe. Following a thorough assessment period, Nigerian entrepreneur, Folake Owodunni, CEO & Founder of Emergency Response Africa, who sent in her application as well, topped her peers to receive the prized funding of $30,000. In addition to the cash prizes, the Aurora Tech Award also provides winners with mentorship opportunities, access to a global network of investors, and media exposure to help scale their ventures.

The Aurora Tech Award in partnership with the Women Who Launch Track of the Lagos Startup Week, sponsored a fire chat session featuring Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, and a panel session themed: ‘Aurora Tech Award: Female Founded, Female Funded‘ featuring Mercy Akanno, Head, TEDx Lagos (Moderator) and the finalists of the Aurora Tech Award 2024 – Eniola Edun, Co-founder, Gamr; Ifeoma Nwobu, Co-founder/COO, Sendstack; Jumoke Dada, Founder, Talieo; Damilola Olokesusi, Co-founder/CEO, Shuttlers; and Olapeju Umah, Founder/ CEO, MyFoodAngels.

During the session, Nwobu, Co-founder/COO, Sendstack said “Aurora Tech Award is doing a fantastic job through mentoring, funding and award. You would not find too many gender-based organizations in Nigeria such as Aurora Tech Award that provide a platform like this.”

In a statement to the media, Nwobu mentioned that the sponsored panel was very insightful and allowed her to learn from her fellow founders.

“The session was full of insight with the young women founders sharing practical experiences on starting up a business. I have learned a few relevant tips from my co-speakers today and I look forward to this kind of session powered by Aurora Tech Award and other related organizations,” she added.

During the session, panelists shared valuable startup experiences, challenges in the startup ecosystem in Nigeria, and solutions therein. The session also highlighted these women’s journeys, helping attendees to learn from their successes, failures, and better understand the current business and funding landscape for female tech founders in Nigeria and across the globe.

Nadeen Hossam, Partnerships Manager, EMEA, Aurora Tech Award spoke about the need for representation in the funding strategy for startups. Speaking to how Aurora Tech Award promotes this representation, she said, “We believe in breaking down barriers and promoting equality in tech entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs in IT face challenges like investor bias, stereotypes, and a lack of role models, limiting their representation.”

“According to Crunchbase, only 2.3% of venture funding goes to women-led startups. And we’re here to change that! Our mission is to discover hidden gems among startups led by women, providing the support they need to shine brightly. Join us in setting new, fair standards in the venture world,” she said.

“If you are a woman founder with a tech startup, regardless of the specific industry, and have a functional prototype or an early version of your product, the Aurora Tech Award is just for you. We are interested in your company, your journey, and the challenges you’ve overcome,” she added.

Olumide Olayinka, Co-founder, Prime Startups, the governing corporate company driving Lagos Startup Week in the last nine years said that the firm’s approach to female participation in the 2024 Lagos Startup Week took a new turn.

“This year, we not only chose a theme that resonates strongly with our relentless and resilient female founders, but we also partnered with Aurora Tech Award to launch a celebratory and recognitory session for female founders, within our Women Who Launch track. It was indeed great to partner for such an impactful session, and we are committed to more partnerships that place our female founders in the spotlight. Our female founders are deserving of more. These women scale their businesses with limited access to funding and support but keep at it anyway. They show up and show out always, and the Lagos Startup Week will continue to open its doors to them at all times.”

Unveiling the 2024 winners at the Lagos Startup Week, Aurora Tech Award shared more details about the female-founded startups that won the first, second, and third prizes. with a Nigerian woman and Co-founder, Emergency Response Africa, Nigeria, Folake Owodunni emerging as the 2024 winner with the first prize worth $30,000.

Folake Owodunni, Co-founder, Emergency Response Africa, Nigeria, won the first prize for her organization’s sustainable and scalable solution providing emergency medical services. Emergency Response Africa is a health tech company that combines emergency response training with intelligent dispatch, communications technology, and alternative medical transportation.

Hannah Töpler, Intrare, Mexico, and Sarah Phiri-Molema, Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd, Botswana emerged second and third winners respectively. Intrare emerged second for its inclusive strategy focused on championing efforts for fair employment for all diverse groups. Intrare is a social tech that builds proprietary AI to eliminate bias from recruitment. Intrare mission is to match millions of refugees, marginalized women, LGBTIQ+, and other diverse talents with fair jobs to break the poverty cycle.

Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd, Botswana came in third place for its solar-powered hearing aid for children and people from unprivileged communities. Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd developed the first rechargeable hearing aid battery, which lasts for 2-3 years and can be used in 80% of hearing aids on the market today. It is solar-powered and can be charged via the sun, household light, or a cell phone plug.

The gender gap in the African tech ecosystem manifests in various forms, including leadership representation, funding disparities, and pay gaps. To combat this gender bias, Aurora Tech Award partnered with Lagos Startup Week which has been dedicated to fostering a community for African female innovators over the past nine years, providing them with opportunities to grow, learn, and connect in the tech space, to launch the award, the first of its kind in Nigeria.

As the accomplishments of these remarkable women are celebrated, there is also anticipation for supporting the next generation of female tech entrepreneurs. Female founders with tech startups are encouraged to look out for the Aurora Tech Award applications opening in September 2024. This presents an opportunity for them to gain the recognition and support they deserve. Stay tuned and prepare to showcase their innovations to the world!

African Brands, an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting brand growth across the continent, will acknowledge the contributions of financial technology firms to financial inclusion in Africa at the upcoming fifth edition of the Africa Financial Technology Congress.

The event, with the theme ‘Harnessing the Power of Fintech to Accelerate Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets’, is set to take place on July 31, 2024, in Lagos.

In a statement, the event organizers highlighted the significant growth of the African Fintech sector over the past decade, citing the existence of 1400 active fintech brands across the continent.

“The growth of the fintech ecosystem in Africa has been driven by favorable demographics, widespread mobile phone access, and low levels of internet financial inclusion across the continent,” the statement noted. “The African Financial Technology Congress 2024 aims to provide further insights into the advancements in Africa’s fintech sector.”

The congress will convene senior representatives from banks, government entities, investors, financial institutions, card providers, payment services platforms, blockchain executives, and solutions providers to collaborate on addressing key challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Additionally, the summit will include an award ceremony to recognize outstanding fintech brands that have excelled in delivering exceptional services.

“AFTC emphasizes that Fintech has the potential to drive significant economic growth in Africa, but stresses the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem among stakeholders,” the organizers commented.

Big Bull Rice recently unveiled a new holographic seal tape on its 25kg and 50kg packs, and consumers are already singing its praises. This innovative measure, aimed at combating counterfeiting, ensures that customers can now easily verify the authenticity of their purchases.

The introduction of the holographic seal tape has been met with widespread approval, from major distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.

This act represents a significant advancement in consumer protection and also enhances the security of Big Bull Rice products and strengthens consumer trust. The seal’s tamper-evident features ensure that any attempt to compromise the packaging is immediately noticeable, offering an extra layer of assurance to buyers.

Chukwuma Nwosu, a wholesale foodstuff trader, expressed his satisfaction with the new seal. “I’m happy that I can differentiate Big Bull Rice from counterfeit products through this new holographic seal. Customers trust the brand more because of it. They are usually worried about fake products, but this gives them reassurance and confidence to purchase.”

Mrs. Bola Afolabi, a mother of three, also shared her relief. “So many products have been compromised in the Nigerian market, and getting authentic and healthy products is now a chore. I want the best for my family, and I am happy Big Bull Rice has taken this proactive step. I can now purchase rice without fear of purchasing a counterfeit product.”

Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, emphasized the positive reception. “Consumers have responded very positively to the new holographic seal tape, and we appreciate their commendations. Our consumers have also reached out with numerous positive feedback. This response motivates us to keep our consumers’ interests at heart, regardless of market challenges. We remain committed to providing our consumers the best quality and state-of-the-art technology that ensures product integrity,” he stated.

Deepanjan Roy, Executive Director, TGI Group, highlighted the company’s dedication to quality and authenticity. “The positive feedback from our customers and distributors regarding the holographic seal is very encouraging. It reaffirms our commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity,” he added.

With the new holographic seal tape, Big Bull Rice continues to set the standard for quality and authenticity in the market. Consumers can now shop with confidence, knowing they are purchasing genuine Big Bull Rice products.

Big Bull rice is Nigeria’s foremost parboiled rice. Big Bull is premium milled, stone free, with an excellent swelling index that retains the natural taste & texture of goodness from the Nigerian soil. An absolute cooking delight with the best texture, uniform size and shape; each grain is highly nutritious, rich in B-vitamins, Iron, Dietary Fibers and Protein, with low Glycemic Index for a healthy consumption. Big Bull is the ideal choice for a great tasting rice dish, be it jollof rice, fried rice, white rice, coconut rice and many more. Available in various consumer-friendly pack sizes nationwide.

The planning committee of Location Marketing Awards (LOMA) announces the second edition and the Out of Home Advertising Conference and Exposition (OOHACE) 2024 with The theme: Unlocking the Power of OOH Advertising in building Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry. These prestigious events will take place on September 27-28, 2024, at the prestigious Marriott Hotels, and Marcelinas Place both at Ikeja G.R.A Lagos, Nigeria, and promises to be a significant gathering for professionals in the advertising and marketing industries.
LOMA awards recognize outstanding achievements in location-based marketing and out-of-home (OOH) advertising. This year’s event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries to celebrate excellence, creativity, and the impactful use of location-based marketing strategies and technologies.
We are excited to announce the esteemed panel of jurors for LOMA 2024, comprising top professionals drawn from the global advertising industry:
Remi Du Preez – Polygon, South Africa
Tim Rowe – OOH Insider, New York, USA
Olalekan Akinyele – 7even Interactive, Nigeria
Emmanuel Adediran – +Acuity, Nigeria
Amina Adekoya – OMD, Nigeria
Donald Mokgale – MoyaApp, South Africa
Miguel Castanon – Broadsign, Spain
Yetunde Adegbite – Dentsu, Nigeria
Opeyemi Anipole – Bowbonish, Nigeria
These jurors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring that the awards recognize the best and most innovative work in the industry.

Interested organisations and individuals can enter to for this years LOMA Awards as new categories for brands has been included such as Innovative use of OOH Media, Programmatic DOOH Campaigns, Outstanding OOH campaigns for different sectors inclusive of – Non-profits, cooking essentials, Financial Services and Insurance Services, Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Beauty & Personal Care, Industrial goods, Lottery & Betting, Electronics & Home Appliances, Telcos & broadbands, Travel & Hospitality, E- commerce and many more.
Kingsley Onwukaeme, the convener of both events, shared his thoughts on the industry impact of LOMA and OOHACE:
“As the convener of both the Location Marketing Awards (LOMA) and the Out of Home Advertising Conference and Exposition (OOHACE), I have witnessed firsthand how these events are transforming the face of the OOH industry in Nigeria. Last year’s event was a resounding success, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry and setting a new benchmark for excellence in location-based marketing and out-of-home advertising.”
“LOMA and OOHACE have created an invaluable platform for professionals to share insights, explore innovative solutions, and celebrate outstanding achievements. The response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants lauding the quality of the content, the networking opportunities, and the overall organization of the event.”

“Last year’s edition saw a significant increase in participation from both local and international stakeholders, reflecting the growing recognition of Nigeria as a key player in the global OOH industry. The awards ceremony was a highlight, with numerous groundbreaking campaigns being honored for their creativity and impact. The feedback we received underscored the importance of such events in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.”
“As we look ahead to the 2024 edition, I am confident that LOMA and OOHACE will continue to drive the industry forward. Our goal is to not only celebrate the successes of the past year but also to provide a forward-looking perspective on the future of OOH advertising. We are committed to creating an environment where ideas can flourish, partnerships can be forged, and the industry can collectively advance.”

“LOMA and OOHACE are more than just events; they are catalysts for change. They have played a crucial role in elevating the standards of the OOH industry in Nigeria, showcasing the incredible talent and ingenuity that exists within our market. I am excited about the potential for even greater achievements this year and look forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be our best edition yet.”
Submission of entries for LOMA will begin on July 15 and close on July 29, 2024. Registration for OOHACE begins on July 20th, 2024. Interested organisations and persons should visit www.oohacademyng.com for details.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit our website at www.oohacademyng.com.

As part of preparation for a new phase of business transformation, the Board of Directors of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, today announced the appointment of seasoned telecoms expert and technology business leader and advisor; Obafemi Banigbe as the Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The Nigerian food market is currently facing an alarming crisis. As I delved into recent reports, I was overwhelmed by the extent of adulterated foods flooding our markets. Palm oil, a staple in many Nigerian households, has been found laced with dangerous substances like dye, lard, and other harmful additives. These revelations, brought to light by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), have left consumers exposed to severe health risks.

Adamu Abdullahi, the acting executive vice-chairman of the FCCPC, recently raised the alarm about this disturbing trend. According to Abdullahi, profit-driven traders are compromising consumer safety by contaminating products with hazardous additives. The consequences are dire, consumers risk facing serious health issues such as abdominal pain, brain damage, liver disease, and even cardiac arrest. These substances pose significant health risks, highlighting the urgent need for rigorous food safety measures.

In a time when Nigerian consumers are bombarded with adulterated food products, there is a search for brands that have remained committed to integrity and consumer health. One of those brands is Golden Terra Oil. Their dedication to purity and health has garnered the trust of many, offering not just a safe cooking oil, but a promise of well-being in every drop.

Golden Terra Oil’s commitment to consumer safety goes beyond rigorous quality control. The brand invests heavily in sourcing the finest raw materials and employing advanced processing techniques to ensure that every bottle of Golden Terra Soya Oil meets the highest standards of purity and nutrition. Their transparency initiatives, including detailed labeling and consumer education, empower consumers to make informed choices about their health.

It’s a brand trusted by mothers for their families and chosen by health-conscious individuals for its purity and health benefits. A good oil has higher levels of good fats than bad fats. Bad fats, known as saturated fats, should be avoided, while good fats, such as polyunsaturated fats including Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, are beneficial for health. These components are known to help reduce cholesterol levels, support cardiovascular health, and provide essential antioxidants to combat free radicals. The oil is also recommended by cardiologists, including Dr. Adanijo Monisola, for its heart-protective properties.

Probal Bhattacharya, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, emphasised the brand’s dedication to purity. “At Golden Terra Oil, we understand the critical importance of purity in our products. We are committed to providing only the highest quality oil, free from any adulterants or harmful substances. Our stringent quality control processes ensure that our customers can trust Golden Terra Oil to be a safe and healthy choice for their families,” he explained.

Deepanjan Roy, Executive Director, TGI Group, reiterated the brand’s dedication to consumer well-being. “Golden Terra Oil represents our commitment to integrity and health. In a market filled with compromises, we provide an unadulterated alternative that prioritises consumer well-being above all else. We believe that every Nigerian deserves access to pure, high-quality cooking oil that does not jeopardise their health,” he stated.

Golden Terra Soya Oil is a premium, all-purpose cooking oil made from 100% pure soya beans, sourced and manufactured in Nigeria. It contains 5x more PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) proven to deliver numerous health benefits, like reducing cholesterol, maintaining a healthier heart, enhancing nerve function, boosting brain health, and supporting muscle strength. Discerning consumers trust Golden Terra Soya Oil to bring an unmatched balance of Taste & Health to every dish cooked with it. Available in various pack sizes ranging from 40ml to 700ml bottles and 2.5L & 4.5L kegs.

Dataleum, a global tech training and consulting firm, has achieved significant recognition as the Best Technology Training and Consulting Firm in Africa by World Business Outlook 2024. This prestigious award was granted to Dataleum following a thorough nomination and evaluation process led by their esteemed panel of judges.

The World Business Outlook Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes industry excellence, exceptional leadership, outstanding success strategies, and global presence in the Business and Finance sector. These awards are renowned for honouring organisations that have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership in their respective industries. Winners are chosen based on extensive research, industry analysis, and feedback from experts and clients across different sectors.

Dataleum stands as a powerhouse that provides global opportunities for its community and seamlessly collaborates with international agencies, enhancing its reach and impact in Nigeria and across borders.

Bode Roberts, Co-founder and CEO of Dataleum, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm upon receiving the award. He said, “Through impact, we remain at the forefront of shaping the transformation among Africans and African-led businesses across the globe. This award is an evidence of the hard work and dedication of my team. We are honoured to be recognized for our efforts in revolutionising the tech training and consulting landscape in Africa.”

Dataleum has trained over 35,000 talents globally in the last five years and has provided consulting services to reputable organisations across Africa. They expanded operations to the United Kingdom in 2023, solidifying their commitment to bridging the tech skills gap on an international scale. This demonstrates their dedication to empowering individuals and organisations with technology skills and consulting services, driving innovation and growth across the continent.

“Dataleum to the world, and Africa to the world” Bode Roberts, the CEO of Dataleum, proudly stated.

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and a foremost financial institution in Nigeria, is championing the actualization of home ownership dreams and property wealth creation for Nigerians.

During its just concluded Home Ownership Summit, the Bank reaffirmed its commitment to empowering individuals, families, and business owners with the means to own their dream homes and properties.

The summit was a pivotal platform for Stanbic IBTC Bank to engage with potential homeowners and key industry decision-makers; where the Bank’s tailored home loan solutions that suit diverse needs and financial capacities were brought to the spotlight. Attendees were enlightened on the various benefits and flexible repayment options the Bank offers, that significantly enhance accessibility and affordability in the quest for home ownership.

The event garnered a diverse audience, including real estate enthusiasts, investors, and industry experts. Notable speakers delved into real estate investment intricacies, financing options, and emerging market trends, offering invaluable insights to attendees.

Other areas covered by the panelists at the summit included steps to take to protect wealth and prevent losses in real estate through insurance. Creating a legacy and passing on wealth from one generation to another through wills and trusts was also discussed. The offerings are all catered to by the Stanbic IBTC group.

The keynote address delivered by Engr. Abdulhafiz Gbolahan Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, provided a comprehensive overview and critical insights on building wealth through home ownership.

The keynote speech was complemented by engaging panel discussions covering various topics crucial for real estate stakeholders. Experts delved into mortgage financing complexities, offered guidance on navigating the home buying process, and provided insights on property valuation.

Stanbic IBTC Bank offers multiple options to support Nigerians with realizing their home ownership dreams. These include easy access, flexible repayment terms of up to 20 years, expert guidance from a team of property specialists, and joint mortgage options with one‘s spouse.

Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, underscored the significance of home ownership as a cornerstone of financial stability and wealth creation. He emphasized the Bank’s commitment to facilitating access to home ownership without undue financial strain.

“As access to affordable housing remains a pressing issue, our Home Loan solution offers hope. With competitive interest rates, flexible equity contribution, and personalized guidance, our Bank aims to bridge the gap and make home ownership attainable for our stakeholders”; Adeniyi said.

Overall, the Stanbic IBTC Home Ownership Summit was an invaluable resource for real estate enthusiasts, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to navigate the real estate landscape and obtain the needed funding. For more information on the event and Stanbic IBTC‘s home loan solution, visit the company website www.stanbicibtbank.com or email Callme@stanbicibtc.com.

Founder and chief experience curator of MPXM Agency, Nana Milagrosa Utomi Biyang, who served as Chairman of the NIMN Events & Conference Committee has revealed that organizing the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) 2024 Annual Marketing Conference held recently at Ibadan was pretty challenging but quite rewarding as responses from members truly reflected the collective enthusiasm and commitment within the NIMN family.
Nana Milagrosa, who has handled many national and international projects, including the last Hilda Bassey’s Cookathon and The Macallan immersive launch for The Reach revealed that organizing the conference was a collaborative effort. In her opinion, seeing such a robust turnout and active participation underscores the relevance and importance of the theme, “Empowering Nigerian Brands: Leveraging Local Content for Global Success.”
In her view, “Our members’ engagement in the sessions, discussions, and networking activities has been phenomenal, reinforcing the idea that we are all dedicated to advancing the marketing profession in Nigeria. This massive response is a testament to the hard work of our organizing team and the support from our sponsors and partners, who played instrumental roles in making this event a resounding success.”
Nana also noted the intellectual activities, the papers and the discussions during the conference were nothing short of exceptional. Her words: “We had a diverse lineup of speakers and academia panelists from various higher institutes in Nigeria, each bringing unique insights and perspectives to the table. The white paper and interactive presentations on “Building Resilient Brands through Indigenous Innovation” and “Harnessing Local Creative Talent for Global Brand Impact” provided in-depth analyses and actionable strategies that resonated with our audience.
“The panel discussions were particularly engaging, with lively debates and thought-provoking questions from participants. These sessions not only highlighted the current trends and challenges in leveraging local content but also offered practical solutions and innovative approaches to achieving global success. The rich exchange of ideas and knowledge has undoubtedly added immense value to our members and will inspire continued growth and excellence in their professional endeavours.”
This year’s conference, according to her has provided several key lessons that will help enhance future events. Firstly, the importance of early and thorough planning cannot be overstated.
“Our successful execution was a result of meticulous preparation and coordination among various stakeholders. It is noteworthy that fostering strong partnerships and collaborations with sponsors was crucial,” she noted.
She also added that “the participation and contributions from our sponsors, such as HYDE ENERGY, LAFARGE, The Macallan, Friesland Campina, CWAY, GB FOODS, PZ Wilmar and many others, were invaluable and significantly elevated the quality of the conference.”
Nana also revealed that the value of incorporating diverse perspectives from different industries, which enriched discussions and broadened the scope of their insights were notable learning curves.
“Additionally, the feedback from our members highlighted the need for more interactive and hands-on sessions, which I am certain NIMN will incorporate in future events. These lessons will guide NIMN in a continuous effort to deliver even more impactful and successful conferences in the years to come,” she concluded.