Neo Fest, the highly anticipated inaugural R&B and Alté music festival, is set to take place on the picturesque shores of Landmark Beach Lagos on 22 December 2023. For the first time ever, music enthusiasts across the globe will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the soulful rhythms of R&B and the vibrant vibes of Alté, all in one spectacular event in Nigeria.

Neo Fest sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of musical diversity, showcasing top-tier DJs, extraordinary performers, and mesmerising dancers across multiple stages. The festival aims to be a transformative event that will redefine the cultural fabric of the Lagos entertainment scene. As the first R&B and Alté festival in the city, it serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents and push the boundaries of music in Nigeria.

The festival's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the music industry is at the core of its mission, paving the way for a more vibrant and inclusive future for Lagos's music culture. With artistes from within and outside the country, this unwavering dedication serves as a cornerstone for the festival's mission, which is to create a more vibrant and all-encompassing future for both the creators and the enthusiasts.

The event will be an all-day extravaganza, captivating attendees on a journey of rhythm and emotion. Beyond the music, festival-goers can indulge in a myriad of activities and amenities, exploring the sprawling grounds filled with vendors offering delectable treats, unique crafts, and festival merch. This immersive experience aims to create a space where music enthusiasts can unite to celebrate the power of creativity, unity, and cultural expression.

Prepare to lose yourself in the magic of Neo Fest at Landmark Beach Lagos! Tickets are live on www.neomusic.co.uk/neo-festival and also available to buy on the Landmark app for Lagos residents.

The Lagos State Government has reported that there was no fatality from the 7-floor building under construction that collapsed in Banana Island, Lagos State, yesterday evening.

According to the statement on the state’s website, the unfortunate incident happened while workers at the site were involved in some casting work. Eyewitnesses also reported that the incident occurred due to a concrete truck that struck a major structural component of the carcass building.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins was also at the site of the incident to assess the situation, as eyewitnesses confirmed that about seven victims of the building collapse who sustained injuries received immediate medical attention from the Lagos State Ambulance Service. Four of the victims were taken to the hospital.

The government also advised Lagosians to remain calm, as the Ministry will provide more information.

Run to Win Africa, a political action organisation focused on recruiting, training, and managing young, credible and diverse political candidates for elective offices, held its Lagos summit for young voters.

Themed Election 2023: Moment of Truth for Nigerian Youths, the event provided ample opportunities for young opinion leaders and voters to engage one another on strategies for effective participation in the country's electoral process, fostering a better nation by recognising the importance of informed voting in this year's general elections and advancing female leadership in politics.

According to the founder of Run to Win Africa, Remi Ogunkayo, "Since Nigeria became a democratic country in 1999, there has been an increase in voter apathy. By 2019, just 35% of the population determined the presidential election result, meaning that less than four people in every ten eligible voters determined who would win the presidency. In 2023, we are closer to another moment of truth, especially for young people – a key segment with a worrisome level of voter apathy".

"Our mission is to ensure that young voters realise that they have the power to determine the country's direction", he stated. "If we are to improve female and youth participation in governance, we must put our democracy to work and constantly pursue innovative strategies to address certain cultural and social challenges within political parties and communities".

The event featured panel sessions and keynote speeches by Njideka Agbo, media consultant and former editor, Guardian Life Magazine; Ifechukwu Ezeilo, Graduate Research Intern, Centre for Human Virology and Genomics, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR); and Femi Adeyeye, a youth activist and student of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

Skool Media, one of Africa’s leading education technology institutions, rewarded fifty-two teachers with over 2.3 million naira at the second edition of the Digital Teachers Competition, which initially covers the Federal Unity Colleges across South-West Nigeria.

The competition is powered by Exam Padi, the new product of Edufirst.ng, and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Education. The initiative seeks to encourage the utilization of digital facilities and scaling up of digital skills and builds on the phased digitalization of classrooms in the colleges, including the supply of Kodak Mini Smart Projectors with batteries to different schools.

Speaking in a statement, the Chief Executive Officer of Skool Media, Mr. Moses Imayi, explained that the competition provides an opportunity to reawaken educators and stakeholders on the need to learn and develop adequate skills necessary to improve the quality of learning across the country.

“Digital learning has become the contemporary pedagogical focus of the 21st century, and has been further accelerated due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”, he said. “As a result, we recognise the need to intensively and constantly engage educators to identify solutions, while we also expose them to essentials of modern teaching methodology that can be designed for different kinds of students each passing year. We will use the feedback and recommendations from these engagements to manage subsequent editions at other zones.

Fifty-two winners emerged from the competition including Ogunjobi Bolanle, Moses Elijah, Yusuf Anna Eze FSTC, Ikare Akoko; Elias Ijeoma, Olusola Farinde, Saliu Sarat, FGC Ikole Ekiti; Aliu Ridwan, Balogun Abiodun, Olufola Olusegun, FGC Idoani; Ajani Oluwafemi, Olofinlade Olakunle, Adedesuyi Samuel, FGC Efon Alaaye; Adeagbo O.A, Segun Oguntunbi, FSTC Yaba; Alabi Olatunde, Oladejo Rukayat, FGGC Ipetumodu; Akinola Titilayo, Bello Kolawole, Ganiyu F.O, FGC Ikirun; Akanni Peter, Adefolaji Folashade, Lateef Kamorudeen, FSTC Usi Ekiti; Olaleye Julius, James Victor, Hanson S.I, FGC Ogbomoso.

Others are Ademakinwa Phillips, Pwol Salome, Abimbola Obasanyo, FSTC Ilesa; Isaac Robert, Adelusi Taiwo, Maureen Ikenye, Kings College; Caroline Nwagbogwu, Ajinde Anthonia, Adeyemo Catherine, FGGC Akure; Owoseni Oluwakemi, Ojo Maria, Kehinde Janet, FGGC Oyo; Efe Adaeze, Odole Abiodun, Ayokanmi Adebunmi, Queens College; Olayibowale Sonuga, Egbedele Calestine, Ukpabe Martha, FGC Ijanikin; Johnson Oguntola, Merayebu Olujumoke, Osikoya Anthonia, FSTC Ijebu; Ismail Ogunbona, Olakunmi Wuraola, Adelokiki Oladipupo, FGC Odogbolu; Salako Omolade, Egberongbe Kazeem Jagunmolu Adebowale, FGGC Sagamu.

The best three presentations were selected from each of the 18 schools, with the first position given N50,000, the second position N30,000 and the third position received N20,000. Winners were presented with award certificates at Skool Media’s Teachers Digital Literacy Learning Centres.

In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child, media entrepreneur, author and Chairman of the AW Network, Adebola Williams, stepped up efforts at advancing the course of women and the girl child in Africa by embarking on a series of female gender-focused activities throughout the month of October.

Starting from Nigeria, Williams organised a private screening of the blockbuster movie, Woman King, hosting the Consul General of France, Laurence Monmayrant, with girls from ten selected schools across Lagos. Starring African-American actress Viola Davies, the historical epic film highlights the gallantry and exploits of inspired and empowered African women.

"The world always tells women who they can be; it always wants to control women. It is, therefore, important that we have stories and symbols that show what you can become," Williams said while speaking at the screening.

The media entrepreneur also gifted the girls copies of his riveting book African Power Girls courtesy of Schlumberger, Platform Capital and Knorr Nigeria. Williams authored the book to inspire and empower a new generation of young girls. "The reason why I wrote this book and the reason why I have shown you this film today is that I want you all to know that there is something great in you, and if you can express it, you will be a true African Power Girl".

Taking further the message, Williams spoke at the 2022 African Philanthropy Forum Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Leading the charge at the Forum, Williams listed ways men can help close the gender gap while further highlighting the power of storytelling. "I am used to [seeing] a world where people tell women what they can be and cannot be. People tell women what they should and cannot do. And I realised that it comes from a lack of knowledge, we must do more to tell the glorious tales of women. What society glorifies multiplies. We must amplify these stories that litter our history and daily existence to correct these anomalies in the perception of women," he said.

Stating the role men have to play in advancing the cause of women and girls around the world, he mentioned that they need to be bold with their support for women, give women credit for their work, model the balanced world they want to see at home for their children (boys and girls) and demand for women inclusion whenever they see odd setups from boards to councils and posters for events and meetings.

In another session with students of the African Leadership University, Kigali Campus, he highlighted several ways young women can build the equitable world they wish to see. He underscored the need to navigate stereotypes and ceilings through robust, knowledge-driven conversations.

At a separate engagement in Casablanca, Morocco, Williams engaged fellow Choiseul Laureates at the Choiseul Africa Business Forum on closing the gender gap in all their areas of influence. He also secured partnerships to amplify his book's poignant message.

According to him, there are plans in the pipeline to produce animations, movies and other forms of storytelling that will radically push the message of equality and woman-power. Furthermore, he hinted that strategic partnerships are being finalised to translate these modes of storytelling into other major languages, including French and Swahili, to achieve a wider continental spread.

Pushing forward with efforts to advance opportunities for women and girls, Williams ensures the African Power Girls book travels around the continent. In his outreach in Liberia, the UN Women's Country Head, Comfort Lamptey, joined the country's Vice President, Jewel Taylor, and First Lady, Clar Weah, to lead and engage young girls in reading the book. In Botswana, he commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child in an outreach led by Botswana's former minister and UN High-Level Climate Change champion Bogolo Joy Kenewendo.

Adebola Williams believes that centring women worldwide – especially on the African continent, where there is widespread discrimination, oppression, and abuse – will go a long way in accelerating global growth and development. Based on this premise, he has chosen to dedicate considerable efforts to sensitise people on the imperatives of raising the next generation of #AfricanPowerGirls using the power of storytelling.

Global Peace Ambassador and world-renowned humanitarian, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has arrived in Nigeria for the Culture Festival, a global event themed Vibrant Africa: The Rising Rhythm.

The Festival aims to build a compassionate and harmonious society by connecting Nigerians together through song, dance, meditation, and dialogue. Previous editions were held at global level that was attended by Presidents, Prime Ministers, Diplomats, Dignitaries, Spiritual Leaders, Social Activists, Artists, and people of all races, religions, and political stances together in the spirit of global unity and vibrant celebration.

Set to be hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos 19 – 22 August, 2022, the event will also mark the 41st anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation. The Foundation is the world’s largest holistic wellness and humanitarian organisation, with the single motive to create a stress-free and violence-free society through fostering individual well-being and societal development.

Over the next few days, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar will also meet with several dignitaries, personalities, including key representatives in the business community, which is aimed at initiating dialogue with local stakeholders to explore avenues of bringing peace.

Leveraging local initiatives such as ‘I Meditate Africa’ and ‘Voice of Africa’, Art of Living has reached over 2.3 million Africans and united 22 African countries through peace campaigns. The Foundation has been teaching Happiness and Youth Leadership Training Programs in Nigeria for more than 10 years, and has impacted thousands of people in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu, and Delta States.

1. Global Citizen Fellowship Program powered by BeyGOOD

Powered by BeyGOOD, the Global Citizen Fellowship Program will unearth African youth with remarkable potential. Through the program, 15 young people, with five selected from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya, will each engage in a paid, year-long fellowship aligned to one of Global Citizen’s four pillars of activity: creative, campaigns, rewards, and marketing.

To be eligible, applicants have to be between ages 21 - 25 years (by time of application), and have to be residents and citizens of these three countries. You have to prove to be active Global Citizens, either through the work you do in your communities or through Global Citizen’s website and/or app. Applicants also have to be available full-time from 19 July 2022-30 June 2023.

To apply, interested participants are to submit a 2-3 minute video, or 500-700 word essay answering the following questions:

- What qualities do you identify with as an active citizen of the world?
- If selected, what lasting change would you like to achieve through the program?
- What specific socio-economic issues are you taking action on, and why?


Application closes 29 April, 2022.


2. Ingressive for Good’s Software development scholarships with Zuri

Ingressive For Good, an Ed-tech Nonprofit, recently announced a partnership with Zuri Team to train 100,000 African youths in software development. The training, aimed at complete beginners, will help participants learn and build a career in coding/software development (backend, frontend, mobile) and UI/UX design skills for FREE. Apply here - https:///I4GZuri

The program also provides opportunities for in-program mentorship during and after the program, while top finalists will be given laptops and a job.


3. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2022

The Tony Elumelu Foundation, a leading philanthropy empowering young African entrepreneurs across the 54 countries, has opened applications for the 2022 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. African entrepreneurs with business ideas or existing businesses under 5 years, are encouraged to apply now for $5000 seed capital, mentorship, business management training and more.

In 2021, the Tony Elumelu Foundation disbursed USD$24.75 million to 5000 African entrepreneurs across Africa for its 2021 Entrepreneurship Programme. The Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of the largest private sector responses to driving the economic recovery of African youth, women and SMEs given the effects of the covid19 pandemic across Africa. Across Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme beneficiaries are starting and growing trailblazing businesses that have collectively created over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs.

4. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program

Each year, the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program welcomes up to eight African students from Sub-Saharan countries to pay all tuition costs and associated academic fees for approximately $145,000 apiece in achieving a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Stanford Graduate School.

Three criteria are evaluated when considering candidates for both the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship and the MBA Program. These include intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential and personal qualities and contributions that will add to the class.

Eligible candidates must show financial need, maintain good academic standing, and agree to return to Africa to work for at least two years full-time in a professional role that contributes to their country’s economic growth.


5. Ingressive For Good x DataCamp’s Data Skills training for African youths

Recently, Blessing Abeng, the Director of Communications and Cofounder at Ingressive for Good revealed the foundation’s goal to train thousands of African youths through its partnership with DataCamp Donates. Just like last year, it will provide participants access to the I4G Datacamp Program, thereby helping them transition into Data Analysts, Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Machine Learning Scientists, Statisticians, Python programmers, R Programmers, and more. Over 4000+ people have started learning already. Final application ends soon.
Apply now - /I4GDataCamp

Martina Chukwuma-Ezike has been officially installed as Rector of the University of Aberdeen in King’s College Chapel, following in the footsteps of other notable Aberdeen University rectors including Winston Churchill, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and television presenter, Clarissa Dickson Wright.

She is the first woman of colour and first Nigerian to be elected Rector of the university, an ancient position that dates back to the foundation of the University in 1495 and is voted by the students.

Martina Chukwuma-Ezike is Chief Executive of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity, which she founded in 2009. The charity set up the first Asthma Support Centre in the UK in order to provide support services for people with asthma and allergies in the northeast of Scotland. She is also a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, having completed her MBA in 2009, and has a longstanding relationship with the student body, offering mentoring, volunteering, and work placement opportunities at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, enabling medical students to gain experience by working directly with asthmatics.

Martina co-developed the Grampian Respiratory Improvement Project for NHSG and is a sitting member of the Grampian Respiratory Improvement Group; She is a member of the Cross-Party Group on Lung Health at the Scottish Parliament and member of the Association of Chief Officers of Scottish Voluntary Organisations, mentoring and supporting newly appointed Chief Executive Officers.

She is an ardent supporter of women in business and an active mentor of business owners across the UK. She is also a fellow of The Royal Society for Arts, Manufacturing, and Commerce, received based on the tremendous work she did to support the 5.4 million people living with asthma across the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Aberdeen has a community of more than 130 nationalities, with almost 200 students from Nigeria. It was founded with international connections and is open to people and ideas from around the world.

The new rector is married to Uchenna Chukwuma-Ezike, a chartered chemist and chartered scientist who hails from Anambra State, Nigeria.

The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Egbeda branch, Lagos State, has announced its official inauguration, including a fundraising event on Sunday, 5 December 2021.

Ansar-Ud-Deen, which refers to the 'helpers of the religion', is a religious organisation established for the educational development of Muslims and enhancing the moral and social development of the Muslim community in Lagos. Formerly ADS Alimosho branch Division 5, the new branch is strategically placed to serve the Muslim community in Lagos, and other parts of the country.

Speaking on the development, Alhaji Kazeem Atanda, Chairman, ADS Egbeda branch explained that apart from providing ease and convenience for Egbeda Muslim faithfuls, the organisation recognises that Islam can impact young Nigerians by emphasising values designed to instill values such as self-control and social competence and also foster a positive spiritual environment.

"Since inception, The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has recorded remarkable strides in spreading the great message of Islam and promoting the development of students into well-disciplined, balanced individuals - both Muslims and otherwise. But our world is undergoing radical, disruptive changes at an accelerating speed, and many young people are becoming more susceptible to corruption, selfishness, and basic irresponsibility. For us, we understand the urgency and solution that lies at the constant engagement of young faithfuls and citizens to promote foster brotherhood and living a socially-responsible lifestyle".

"We intend to roll out a series of activities and opportunities for public engagement, which will be announced during worships and on social media platforms," said Alhaji Wale Hamzat, Secretary, ADS Egbeda branch. It will definitely contribute to expanding our membership in the Egbeda axis. Still, it is also essential that drive our message of Islam as a religion of peace outside the Egbeda community too".

The event, which will be attended by personalities across the country, including leaders of the organisation, will commence by 11 am at 2, Adebeshin Close, Off Fajumobi Street, Egbeda-Idimu Road, Egbeda, Lagos.

Funny thing? There's no Kolade Johnson on the list. It's Kolade Salami.

But who cares at this point? We are still arguing over whether people died or not - in a place where we all clearly heard gunshots!

Nonpartisan1:
A certain Kolade Johnson was killed by SARS operatives in April, 2017[/b], but Sanwo-Olu's panel listed him among those allegedly "massacred" by soldiers at Lekki on October 20, 2020!

They spent a whole year shopping for names to garnish their #LekkiLies.

Following the recent consent judgment delivered by the Ikeja High Court, Lagos, the family of deceased entrepreneur and former managing director of Memory Links, Alhaji Yisa Lamina, has kicked against fraudulent property sales by unscrupulous elements as the parties involved continue to remain in dispute.

The popular businessman and tech investor was laid to rest on 25, January 2018 and is survived by three wives and seven children.

The litigation covers several properties in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, including those at No. 44, Cumberland Road Chafford Hundred Grays Essex, United Kingdom; No. 68, Ethnard Road, Peckam, United Kingdom; No. 9, Omoleran street, Papa Ajao, Mushin, Lagos; No. 27, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja; No. 55, Opebi Ikeja Lagos and No.106, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

Since 2018, the family has been in litigation over arrangements to share the properties among the beneficiaries. Finally, in July 2020, a judge at the Ikeja High Court delivered a consent judgment that allowed the wives and first child of the deceased agree to a sharing formula under specific terms and conditions. But the first wife, Mrs Philomena Imade Lamina, again refused to cooperate with the family, which has led all parties back to court. In a statement, the Lamina family urged citizens to “disregard any offer for the sale of any of the properties as parties are still in dispute.

In a related case, the Lagos State House of Assembly Members recently called for the upgrade of all marriage registries in the state after it was revealed that the marriage certificate issued to Philomena Lamina was invalid. While reading the report on the floor of the House, Hon. Victor Akande, Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC, confirmed that upon critical investigation, the marriage purportedly held with the deceased in the old Eti-Osa L.G in year 2000, was eventually confirmed to be invalid by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

The Majority Leader, Hon. Agunbiade explained that such fraudulent actions were becoming rampant in the state, as other members called for the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to ensure regular monitoring of marriage registers and certificates and should make it part of its oversight functions.

In commemoration of Breast cancer awareness month held throughout October, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, owned by a pediatrician and First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, is set to host Nigeria's biggest cancer walk on Saturday, 16th October 2021.

Aimed at creating awareness for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, the group 5km walk will provide free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screening for participants as well as assist treatment for those battling with the disease.

The family event will also feature a free musical concert and Children’s play area that takes place immediately after the walk and will involve performers, influencers, development partners from different parts and geo-political zones of the country.

"Our annual free breast and cervical cancer screenings are part of our commitment to provide accessible and affordable healthcare for well-meaning Nigerians as well as educate the general public on the most common form of cancer affecting women,” said Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu while commenting on the upcoming event.

"Emphasis is placed on early diagnosis as it is crucial to patients experiencing better outcomes. It is indeed our privilege to provide these services while raising funds to support cancer patients every year, and we hope to see a significant turnout", she continued.

Entertainers and celebrities joining the #WalkAwayCancer in Abuja include afrobeat singer, Tu Face, Aphrodija, Ali Jita, Korede Bello, Morell, and Big Brother Naija winner, Laycon as well as Nigerian actors Ali Nuhu, Osita 'PawPaw’ Iheme, Sola Sobowale, Alex Ekubo, Sals Fateetee, Maryam Booth and Toyin Abraham.

The meeting point for the event is at Medicaid Cancer Foundation HQ, Plot 665, TOS Benson Crescent, Utako Abuja on the 16th of October 2021, at 7 am.

Dr. Bagudu who is also the first African to be elected to the board of the Union for International Cancer Control encouraged intending participants to be COVID-19 vaccinated. All participants must be masked up and bubble groups will be maintained. In addition, free COVID-19 testing will take place before and during the mammoth walk.

Run to Win (RtW) is a political action organization working to recruit, train, and manage young, credible, diverse political candidates as they work to get into elected offices across the country. It is currently asking Nigerians to recommend members of their communities that they believe are best poised to represent their interests in electoral office.

Run to Win will equip campaigns with the tools and knowledge to build an effective election campaign, educating them on strategy, communication, and execution. Its core team has worked in multiple African presidential and local elections and believes the political representation of young men and women is crucial to creating a government that can move Nigeria forward. Improving representation is core to RtW’s mission, so minority represented demographics such as women are strongly encouraged to apply for the program.

“Inclusion begins with stepping up; young Nigerians who want to hold elected office need to run for office,” said Remi Ogunkayo, RtW’s political director, “and doing so can be daunting for brand new candidates with limited resources. Building a team, mapping a plan, and executing without support means that candidates cannot always demonstrate their full potential. Run to Win hopes to change that.”

With one of the largest youth populations on the continent, Nigeria has some of the lowest government youth participation. Electing candidates more reflective of their demographics? who understands their challenges and values, speaks their language?is crucial to overcoming voters’ apathy. Nigeria needs newer, more diverse voices involved in the essential decisions that will shape the nation’s future. Run to Win will focus exclusively on candidates vying for legislative positions at the sub-national (State House of Assemblies) and federal levels (House of Representatives and Senate) of governance. It will recruit candidates who will work to enact a national legislative agenda to solve its persistent problems.

Run to Win’s key objectives are to provide capable young candidates with support, structure, and innovative voter-attraction strategies to better the odds of winning their runs for office. To that end, it has begun the process of seeking nominations nation-wide of young individuals who have either garnered some degree of name recognition within the communities they seek to represent; proven grassroots credentials demonstrated by activist initiatives they have either launched or had significant participation in, or the ability to harness the resources needed to run and sustain a campaign.

The candidate must be under 40 at the time of application. Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Poolee Gadgets, a global mobile phone accessories, and smart lifestyle brand, has launched a new range of tech and lifestyle products in Nigeria, including Bluetooth speakers, wireless noise-canceling headphones, power banks, cables, chargers, and other innovative products.
The launch event was held in Ikeja, Lagos State, with the products already available for sale across all wholesale and retail outlets in the country.

The company's range of services is designed to ensure optimum convenience and customer satisfaction with the retail process, including the best price guarantee, dedicated customer service support, and many other premium services.

Poolee Gadgets, which has corporate headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a technology and lifestyle company. The company's range of services is designed to ensure optimum convenience and customer satisfaction with the retail process, including the best price guarantee, dedicated customer service support, and premium services.

Poolee products are available in stores nationwide. Follow the brand on @poolee_gadgets and visit www.pooleegadgets.com.

Ingressive has launched its non-profit arm after the advisory company and venture fund.

Ingressive For Good (I4G) is a not-for-profit organization that addresses glaring inequities that exist within African tech ecosystems by increasing the earning power of African youth through tech training and resources.

Africa has the largest youth population, which creates a growth opportunity. This opportunity is stifled by poverty and unemployment, with the current COVID19 crisis expected to further drive unemployment, foreclosures, and an economic recession and place tremendous stress on millions of African youth.

The emerging digital and tech ecosystem is particularly crucial as a multiplier of growth because access to technology enhances consumer information, networking, job-creating resources, and even financial inclusion.

The initiative, as part of the company’s responsibility to empower, inspire, and connect the next generation of tech talents in need of opportunities, will help the participants with micro-scholarships, technical training, talent placement, and also provide other resources to empower them.

Interested participants can register on the company website to be part of the I4G network and also access more opportunities on www.ingressive.org

"The three core goals of Ingressive For Good are to create 5,000 jobs through partnerships, connect 1,000,000 African youth to technical skills training and award scholarships to qualified individuals studying computer science courses, in line with our overarching mission to leverage need-based resources, learning, and the power of work to empower African youths in tech," said Sean Burrowes, COO and Co-Founder of Ingressive for Good.

These are tough times. Help make them easier for someone out there by sharing this opportunity with them.

Ingressive has launched its non-profit arm after the advisory company and venture fund.

Ingressive For Good (I4G) is a not-for-profit organization that addresses glaring inequities that exist within African tech ecosystems by increasing the earning power of African youth through tech training and resources.

Africa has the largest youth population, which creates a growth opportunity. This opportunity is stifled by poverty and unemployment, with the current COVID19 crisis expected to further drive unemployment, foreclosures, and an economic recession and place tremendous stress on millions of African youth.

The emerging digital and tech ecosystem is particularly crucial as a multiplier of growth because access to technology enhances consumer information, networking, job-creating resources, and even financial inclusion.

The initiative, as part of the company’s responsibility to empower, inspire, and connect the next generation of tech talents in need of opportunities, will help the participants with micro-scholarships, technical training, talent placement, and also provide other resources to empower them.

Interested participants can register on the company website to be part of the I4G network and also access more opportunities on www.ingressive.org

"The three core goals of Ingressive For Good are to create 5,000 jobs through partnerships, connect 1,000,000 African youth to technical skills training and award scholarships to qualified individuals studying computer science courses, in line with our overarching mission to leverage need-based resources, learning, and the power of work to empower African youths in tech," said Sean Burrowes, COO and Co-Founder of Ingressive for Good.

These are tough times. Help make them easier for someone out there by sharing this opportunity with them.

The beatingcorona.ng platform and the Naija Relief Base, a data-gathering intervention unit, to help bolster data gathering has announced a partnership to enable a more diverse, nuanced and detailed expansion of the socially-relevant database, and improve the tracking of interventions and connecting people to the help they need.

The research and collation team at BeatingCorona.ng has consistently promoted the mental health centers directory. Editor, Nelson C.J, stresses that “the platform, [beatingcorona.ng] directory is very important to us, as the effect of this pandemic on our mental health is truly incalculable and very present, especially now that physical therapy is not a readily accessible option. We are always excited to update our directory with new initiatives who are responding and intervening in the mental health department”.

Much recently, Kano State in North-West Nigeria, has been plagued by an alarmingly increasing number of COVID-19 cases. While there are profound fears of a possible outbreak at any time, the state has continued to receive the help and intervention it needs, with more information provided on the beatingcorona.ng database.

Some of the present interveners are the Facemask Face Corona, an initiative of Ayama Raeal vision and Excellent enterprises which is providing food and relief materials for people in Kano and your Covid19 CSO Intervention, an initiative of Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) that is also providing food and cash to the people of Kano.

The state is also set to benefit from the BUA Foundation N1 billion donated to 9 states. It will also receive 1,000 high-grade medical protection and isolation gear, 2,000 protective goggles, 1,000 gloves and 1,000 testing kits amongst other things.

The Kano state government has also opened an online registration portal to volunteer medical and health workers for Covid-19. www.kanostate.gov.ng/volunteers and a 600-bed isolation centre in Kano is being constructed by Dangote. You can visit: https://beatingcorona.ng/interventions/ to see how you can help.

If you would like to be an intervener, provide direct help or access help for people you think might need them, the beatingcorona team is urging prospective interveners to visit: beatingcorona.ng to access all the directories and find out how they can make an impact.

The Business Made Easy L.I.T.uation makes another stop in Akwa-Ibom state on Wednesday, 4 December, 2019 for the South-South engagement of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) L.I.T. Sub-national Tour.

The event will hold at the Judiciary Multipurpose Hall, Akwa-Ibom State Judiciary Headquarters, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo on Wednesday between 6 pm – 9 pm.

The Council is on a tour of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to engage with business owners in each state. This objective is anchored on the three pillars of Listen, Implement and Track, while collaborating more closely with them as stakeholders in delivering reforms that will transform Nigeria business landscape for better.

The tour which kicked off in Lagos in October, has progressed through Imo, Kwara and Ekiti states and will now be making its next stop in Akwa-Ibom State where His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel will host and engage with the business community in the state. Many of the over 140 reforms successfully implemented by PEBEC since its establishment 2016 will be on display, with industry regulators on the ground to address business problems.

PEBEC's mandate is to make Nigeria a progressively better place for businesses to thrive by collaborating with state governments, the National Assembly, the judiciary and other regulatory partners to reduce the cost, time and number of procedures required to set up and carry on business within the country.

Business owners from Akwa-Ibom and surrounding South-southern states are enjoined to attend. Free registration is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pebec-lit-south-south-subnational-tour-in-akwa-ibom-state-tickets-84542660373

The Business Made Easy L.I.T.uation is coming to Ekiti state on Tuesday, 12 November, 2019 for the South-West engagement of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) L.I.T. Sub-national Tour.

The event will hold at Adetiloye Hall, opposite Fountain Hotels, Trade Fair Complex, Basiri, Ado-Ekiti on Monday, 18 November, 2019 between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

The Council is on a tour of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to engage with business owners in each state. This objective is anchored on the three pillars of Listen, Implement and Track, while collaborating more closely with them as stakeholders in delivering reforms that will transform Nigeria business landscape for better.

The tour which kicked off in Lagos in October, progressed to Imo State, Kwara State and will now be making its next stop in Ekiti State where His Excellency, Governor Kayode Fayemi will be present as host to listen to, and engage with the business community in the state. Many of the over 140 reforms successfully implemented by PEBEC since its establishment 2016 will be on display, with industry regulators also present to address business problems.

Since July 2016, PEBEC's mandate has been to make Nigeria a progressively better place for businesses to thrive by collaborating with state governments, the National Assembly, the judiciary and other regulatory partners to reduce the cost, time and number of procedures required to set up and carry on business within the country.

Business owners from Ekiti and surrounding South-western states are enjoined to attend. Free registration is available here: https:///32RR7x7

The Business Made Easy L.I.T.uation is coming to Ekiti state on Tuesday, 12 November, 2019 for the South-West engagement of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) L.I.T. Sub-national Tour.

The event will hold at Adetiloye Hall, opposite Fountain Hotels, Trade Fair Complex, Basiri, Ado-Ekiti on Monday, 18 November, 2019 between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

The Council is on a tour of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to engage with business owners in each state. This objective is anchored on the three pillars of Listen, Implement and Track, while collaborating more closely with them as stakeholders in delivering reforms that will transform Nigeria business landscape for better.

The tour which kicked off in Lagos in October, progressed to Imo State, Kwara State and will now be making its next stop in Ekiti State where His Excellency, Governor Kayode Fayemi will be present as host to listen to, and engage with the business community in the state. Many of the over 140 reforms successfully implemented by PEBEC since its establishment 2016 will be on display, with industry regulators also present to address business problems.

Since July 2016, PEBEC's mandate has been to make Nigeria a progressively better place for businesses to thrive by collaborating with state governments, the National Assembly, the judiciary and other regulatory partners to reduce the cost, time and number of procedures required to set up and carry on business within the country.

Business owners from Ekiti and surrounding South-western states are enjoined to attend. Free registration is available here: https:///32RR7x7

The Business Made Easy L.I.T.uation train makes another stop in Ilorin, Kwara state on Tuesday, 12 November, 2019 for the North-Central engagement of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) L.I.T. Sub-national Tour.

In a true celebration of enterprise, the Council is on a tour of Nigeria’s six geo-political zones to engage with business owners in each state and collaborate more closely with them as stakeholders in delivering reforms that will transform Nigeria's business landscape for better.

The tour kicked off in Lagos in October, progressed to Imo State, and will now be making its next stop in Kwara State where His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq will be present as host to listen and engage with the business community in the state. Many of the over 140 reforms successfully implemented by PEBEC since its establishment 2016 will be on display, with industry regulators on ground to address business problems.

Created in July, 2016, PEBEC's mandate is to make Nigeria a progressively better place for businesses to thrive by collaborating with state governments, the National Assembly, the judiciary and other regulatory partners to reduce the cost, time and number of procedures required to set up and carry on business within the country.

The Kwara state L.I.T. event will hold at the State Banquet Hall, Ilorin on Tuesday, 12 November, 2019 between 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Free registration to attend the Kwara State L.I.T.uation is available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pebec-lit-north-central-subnational-tour-in-kwara-state-tickets-81028796311?aff=ebapi

QuickCheck, an online banking and micro-lending platform that provides collateral-free loans, has launched a new app to improve financial inclusion among Nigerians, while also educating borrowers about financial instruments and managing risky debts.

About 60 percent of the country’s adult population remains financially excluded, lacks credit history and cannot access financial services such as quick and easy loans. In a research conducted by the Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA), while only 4 percent of the adult population has access to credit through formal financial institutions, a larger number have their loan requests rejected due to bank policies and requirements.

According to Luis Rodrigues, CTO, QuickCheck, this was addressed in 2017 as the company developed a solution to give Nigerians access to such loans anywhere and anytime, with no collateral necessary. The startup already helps individuals with access to loans up to 200,000 naira in minutes, thereby supporting entrepreneurs start and sustain micro-businesses.

“With the new app, we want Nigerians to access loans quickly and conveniently. So if you live in Nigeria, own an Android phone, and you need quick cash to settle emergencies, go on Google Play Store, search for “quickcheck” and spot our bright orange icon to download the QuickCheck loan app for free, sign up to create an account and apply for a loan instantly without collateral. QuickCheck will simply run a credit scoring, and if you’re eligible, the cash loan will be disbursed to your account within minutes. All the necessary information to access loans is also available on our website www.quickcheck.ng,” he said.

Having built its own credit scoring algorithm based on artificial intelligence applied to non-traditional data, the internal data science team actively works on the improvement of the assessment technology to make the procedure of getting a loan even faster, more streamlined, and tailored to the needs of different groups.

“Currently, we are experiencing exponential organic growth and are closing a couple of strategic partnerships to get even closer to our customers, by integrating our technology and credit offering where they need it, within those channels they are already accustomed to. We strongly believe in the product innovation, and therefore, we invest a lot in the exploration of complementary products”, Fabiano di Tomaso, CEO of QuickCheck.

With its tech solution, QuickCheck not only bridges the financial inclusion gap, but improves customer interaction with the new app and a revamped brand identity. Every day, hundreds of people from Nigeria can benefit from the speed and hassle-free access to credit — no papers, no queues, no collateral, no guarantors, just a smartphone and QuickCheck app available on Google Play Store.

In just two years, QuickCheck, processes nearly 2,500 transactions daily, and has already disbursed around 2 billion naira in microloans ranging between 5,000 and 200,000 naira.

Rotimi Amaechi, Remi Sonaiya, Barr. Ismaeel Ahmed, Banky W others to speak at The Nigerian Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders, this Friday.

Come engage with Rotimi Amaechi, Remi Sonaiya, Banky W, Ndi Kato, Ruggedman and more, as they evaluate the impact of public policies on the citizenry as well as how the availability or non-availability of public goods have shaped people’s political culture, as well as perceptions about the government.

The theme for symposium is Turning the Curve: Aligning government policies with citizens’ reality.

Date: Friday, July 12, 2019

Venue: AGIP Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos

TIME: 8:30am

You don’t want to miss this!

Register here: https://tfp-symposium-2019.eventbrite.com/

For attendance confirmation or more information, please call 08022226712 or info@thefutureafrica.com.

“After all is said and done, you are just like me”, that was Amir, the suicide bomber from the trailer of ‘The Delivery Boy’, the new film by Adekunle Adejuyigbe.

Popularly known as Nodash, Adekunle writes and directs a gripping story that captures betrayal and humanity, exposing the dangerous culture of silence in the midst of evil. The thriller/action movie is about Nkem, a young prostitute and Amir, a suicide bomber who ran away with a bomb vest the night before his mission. Jamal Ibrahim plays Amir and Nkem by Jemima Osunde, with the film set for release in May 24, 2019.

But does Amir actually have a point? We have heard many stories of young boys and girls in the Northeast Nigeria who are turned into killers, blowing up markets, parks and roads. In many cases, these are children deprived of quality education, healthcare, food, among other basic necessities. How did they become the stories we heard?

This trailer starts out as a monologue, stretching towards a crescendo that culminates in what looks like a very violent scene. So why does he really believe that we are just like him?


The Delivery Boy premiered in Nollywoodweek Paris in 2018 and has shown in various international and local film festivals like the New York African Film Festival since its world premiere. It has also won awards such as "The Best Nigerian Film Award" at The African International Film Festival and "Best Supporting Actor" at The Real Time International Film festival (RTF) since its release.

The delivery Boy, features other actors such as Charles Etubiebi, Jude Chukwuka, Chris Iheuwa and Kehinde Fasuyi.

Prior to his gubernatorial ambition, he was the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Property Development Commission (LSPDC) and was the Pioneer Board Chairman of Lagos Security Trust Fund. On record, it says that some of his notable public sector achievements include the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) privatization projects. The LAGBUS System and the Control & Command Centre in Alausa were subsequently established under his directives.

But who is he really? Watch the documentary on LTV tonight at 7.30 pm and TVContinental DSTV Channel 418 & GoTV Channel 45 on Thursday, 7 March, 2019.

Check out the full YouTube video on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Y5KcPCsVs&t=64s

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is running to be the Governor of Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress.

Prior to his gubernatorial ambition, he was the Managing Director/CEO of Lagos State Property Development Commission (LSPDC) and was the Pioneer Board Chairman of Lagos Security Trust Fund. On record, it says that some of his notable public sector achievements include the supervision of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) privatization projects. The LAGBUS System and the Control & Command Centre in Alausa were subsequently established under his directives.

But who is he really? Watch the documentary on TV Continental DSTV Channel 148 & GoTV Channel 45 this Monday, 4 March, 2019. Check out the full YouTube video on
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Y5KcPCsVs&t=64s

As Akwa Ibom goes to the polls, we carry with us the dignity of our elders, the demands of our youth and future of our state. We have all struggled to return to the nascent days of our democracy, when for the first time, our people took the mandate to change our state and its people through the creation of the necessary structures to support trade and enterprise, challenge tribal stereotypes and uphold the sovereignty of every Akwa Ibomite and by providing them with an environment we can thrive.


We have made some mistakes the in past, and have seen those missteps manifest as a decline in education, healthcare, policy and the closeness in our communities. But this is why our democracy work; we have the tools to plumb our path and correct our mistakes. We have another opportunity to improve our situation. A vote for Nsima Obong Ekere, the APC candidate as governor of Akwa Ibom begins our new journey.


I ask that the first decision that you take in restoring our state is to come out on Saturday and exercise your civic rights. Your votes matter, each one is a slat on the bridge we must build to find our way back to prosperity.


The second decision I ask of you, is to defend our democracy. Each Akwa Ibomite is a custodian of our values, and your voice, your presence and your influence are the symbols of your office. You must use them liberally this election, speaking truth to power, serving as witness to an orderly exercise and a watchdog for corrupt agents who try to sow trouble and delegitimize our elections. Your influence online and offline might be push someone else needs to join the election exercise, make sure it counts when it matters.


Akwa Ibom is all our property. Let us not gamble with our future, the time to act is now.

Today, the Nigerian “third force” coalition dubbed: Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) reached a consensus, naming one of their own, Fela Durotoye of the Alliance for New Nigeria.

The decision to choose Fela Durotoye, a popular public speaker and leadership coach as the consensus candidate of the coalition was reached through “a two-staged voting process and ended with an outcome that had Fela Durotoye score 4 votes and Kingsley Moghalu, 3 votes” according to the former Minister of Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili who observed the process.

Since the result of the election was made public a few hours ago on social media, Nigerians have taken the micro-blogging site, Twitter to express register their discontent with the outcome.

Of the 18 aspirants in the coalition, the contest boiled down to a contest between Mr Fela Durotoye and Kingsley Moghalu of the Young Progressive Party. Other aspirants include: Dr Thomas-Wilson Ikubese, Ahmed Buhari, Tope Fasua, and Sina Fagbenro-Byron, Eragbe Anslem,
Jaye Gaskia, Mathias Tsado, Victor Ani-Laju, Alistair Soyode, Godstime Sidney Iroabuchi, Clement Jimbo, and Elishama Ideh.

Many Nigerians on Twitter including the social media influencer ‘Mr Aye Dee’ and financial expert and radio personality, Tunji Andrews seem to think that Moghalu, a former United Nations Director who served as the Deputy Governor to Sanusi Lamido Sanusi at the Central Bank of Nigeria between 2009 and 2014, should have won the PACT’s nomination as consensus candidate.

See some reactions below:

The To Build a Nation movement wishes to deny in the strongest terms, recent online reports suggesting that Professor Kingsley Moghalu, former CBN Deputy Governor and 2019 Presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party, has been approached to drop his ambition based on the promise of a cabinet position.

No such meeting has taken place, not will it ever take place. This campaign is about the Nigerian people, so we are aware that this is a threat to the Nigeria’s current political establishment. It is no surprise, therefore, that these reports are written out of thin air.

Based on his long and distinguished career at the UN and service to Nigeria as CBN Deputy Governor, Professor Moghalu has no need to take up any job in this, or any administration, especially because of the lack of vision and competence that has seen Nigeria become the poverty capital of the world.

For the avoidance of doubt: This is a campaign to defeat both President Muhammadu Buhari and the PDP at the 2019 elections, because they represent the total failure of Nigeria’s political class to deliver broad-based economic prosperity and security to Nigerians.

Many Nigerians are tired of both parties and have agreed a third way is needed. As a result of his interactions in every geopolitical zone of the country, Kingsley Moghalu is increasingly seen as an alternative.

We will continue to take our message to Nigerians, and we ask our supporters to continue to do same. This is the last time we will respond to such baseless reports.

We truly believe that IT IS TIME.

Professor Kingsley Moghalu's speech at The Platform


I come here with a message for my countrymen and women. And my heart is both warmed over and fired up by this urgent message. So let’s get right into it. You see, we are very good at ‘managing’ as Nigerians. We have become extremely good at it.

And no one should blame us for this, to be honest. We have believed and believed so many times – and we have been disappointed. We have invested hopes and dreams in people. We have gone on strike at different times, marched on the streets at different times, shut down the nation at different times, stood in the sun to vote at different times, and we have been disappointed, sorely.

So, we have learnt to lower our expectations. We have learnt to dream in black and white. We have learnt that we don’t deserve nice things - that the things we truly want are not possible. We have tried too many times and failed too many times that we believe the problem is trying too hard. Let’s just manage the one we have.

Let’s manage the recovery of 165 girls. It is impossible to get back all 265. Let’s manage a president who is not personally corrupt, it could always have been worse. Let us take the governor that promises a few flyovers but chases poor people out of our cities as if they are not human. That’s the cost of development. Let’s pretend that 60 percent of our federal revenue doesn’t go to maintaining just 1 million people. After all they haven’t killed anybody. Let’s manage the one we have, we tell ourselves. Because we can’t really get what it is we truly want.

We are always very angry about many of their leaders. They take us for a ride, as they jump out of police vehicles to mock our justice system. They insult our youth, calling them lazy, even though they spend more time in the hospital than at their duty post. They insult our intelligence, claiming they will fight corruption, when they cannot even get visas to visit the United States because of their past crimes. We are angry at them, because they steal our agency, they steal our hopes, they steal our dreams, they still our capacity to imagine.

But you know what? These leaders laugh. And you know why they laugh? Because they know that no matter how angry we say we are, they are almost certain that nothing will change. They are sure because they know that in our hearts of hearts, we don’t truly believe that Nigeria will change. We don’t believe it. We are condemned by our conviction that this is how things will always, always be. These guys know this, and so for them the party will never stop.

When I chose to run for the highest office in Nigeria, I knew this was the primary challenge; this “manage it” attitude and sadness masked as worldly wisdom and cynicism. How do you convince people to believe the only one thing that has ever been true in the history of humanity – that there is no force more powerful than a people who have decided that enough is truly enough?

We have done it in Nigeria. We did it in 2011, when we together voted a minority president in a country where they told us it wasn’t possible. We did it in 2015 when we elected an opposition president in a country where ruling parties never lose national elections. We just have done it for people that we were ‘managing’, because we didn’t think we could get what we really deserved.

Over the past three years, and especially over the past 13 months I began to visit the entire country, to learn exactly what has caused us to allow this rot to stay, to understand exactly what it will take to galvanise fellow Nigerians to reach for what is possible. I have spent quality time talking to the people no one really talks to when they hold massive rallies with people they have paid to stand in the sun, and what I have seen has convinced me of something powerful.

And I want you to listen very carefully to what I am about to say: Nothing, absolutely nothing is stopping us from getting the exact kind of leadership we want. Nothing. We are ready, we are able, we are clear. We just don’t believe that it can happen. We just don’t believe that it is possible to get the kind of leadership we desperately need. That’s what I heard in Kano. That’s what I heard in Makurdi. That’s what I heard in Ilorin. That’s what I heard in Oron. That’s what I heard in Abeokuta. That’s what I heard in Nnewi. That’s what I heard in Ikot-Ekpene. That’s what I heard when I spoke to the young men who believe there is no hope in Nigeria, and they must follow a man who promises them freedom if only they break away from this giant disappointment. They just don’t believe that it is possible.

The Platform speaks to the core of the Nigerian elite class, and I have a message from the streets of Nigeria to you: people desperately want a leadership that can deliver results for our economy, but they want someone who can convince them that they are not wasting their time, that they are not wasting their emotions. And they want to know that they are enough of people like them across the country who will stand up to make it happen when election season comes.

Nigerians are not stupid. They know that their problem is not Christian or Muslim leaders. They know that it’s not Biafra or OPC. They know that at the end of the day all these people are together, whether they claim they are in the PDP today or in the APC tomorrow. I know this because I have spoken to them. I have listened to them, I have tried to understand why those before me have failed, and why it appears that we don’t know what we are doing.

And so, I come to you with the same message I have given to them in my steady tour of Nigeria: IT. IS. POSSIBLE. IT. CAN. HAPPEN.

We need just 10 million people who believe this. Just 10 million, from across the country who understand this. Just 10 million who are ready and willing to take the risk, to open up their hearts, to put in the work. We need just 10 million people to make a difference. Today.

That’s the job I have given myself. How do we find those Nigerians? How do we remind them that it is possible? And how do we get them to follow their hearts when election day comes? How do I get YOU to believe what I know for sure in my heart, as I stand here today – that we can disgrace those who think themselves the owners of Nigeria, the sharers of its national cake, the custodians of the limit of our possibilities?

Are we not ashamed of what we manage? Are we not ashamed of the leaders that we have? Are you billionaires not tired of a country you have to explain and defend when you meet your counterparts at the World Economic Forum? Are you young leaders not fed up with the embarrassment of your country when you explain what’s going to your correspondents on Twitter, your fellows at global conferences, your audiences at global fora?

You are. I am. And so this is my invitation to you: Join me in shocking this system. Join me in shaking it to its very roots. Join me in proving to ourselves that this thing we have been saying for decades is truly possible.

We only need 10 million people to believe with their hearts, with their votes, with their monies, with their stepping on the streets to convince others to join them and vote.

How do we do this? We start with one number. Just one. Find ONE person—a friend, your security guard, the woman who sells fruit round the corner, your work colleague—and tell them the truth about where Nigeria will be if they choose to vote against the status quo. Find one person and persuade them to be there at the polls in February 2019. Be their “polling buddy” make sure they have their voter’s card, make sure they are aware of the issues and what’s at stake. Then, help them be a “polling buddy” to somebody else.

In this country, our network is our most powerful marketing tool, so it’s time to use it to become the plus one movement. It’s simple, ladies and gentlemen, start with one. To join our 10 million movement, find us on social media via @plusonemorevote so that you can join our cell groups and our volunteer army at #Plus1MoreVote across Nigeria.

Because this is not a campaign platform, I won’t into details on the pillars of my plan for rebuilding our country. The detail on the policy plans can be found on our website www.tobuildanation.com and have also been fully and completely fleshed in my book, Build, Innovate and Grow.

That’s not my mission here today. My mission here today is to insist that you must believe that what you think impossible is in fact possible. My mission here today is to ask you to ignore those who will tell you not to waste your vote. Those who will tell you there are only two choices. To ignore those who will tell you that our electoral fate has always been decided in Abuja, Minna, Ikoyi, Dubai or Ota.

That is a lie from the pit of hell. They know what they are doing when they tell you this lie. But let me tell you the truth: the only vote that is wasted is the one that doesn’t make it into the ballot box. Every time you vote or don’t vote, you are making a choice. And the enemies of our country, they are counting on the fact that you will make a choice not to show up this year to campaign, to donate or next year to vote and get those you love to vote. Or that when you show up to vote, you will choose the familiar over the necessary.

‘They’ only get to win if they win the battle over your heart and your mind. They claim to have extensive structure that no one else can beat. I have gone round the country, I have seen those structures. Those structures are human beings. Human beings like me and you at the ward level, at the state level, at the community level. We are building an alternative structure that can beat that structure.

We need you to believe that it is time to deliver Nigeria from dinosaucracy – a politics of dinosaurs, for dinosaurs, by dinosaurs. These dinosaurs have infected Nigerian society with ideas and attitudes that have long since been discredited.

Our choice as a people is stark today as it ever has been: we have a choice between dinosaurs and deliverance. If we continue to be led by these dinosaurs and the people they endorse, the sunlight of our hopes for Nigeria will continue to be blotted out by dark clouds of incompetence, corruption, economic illiteracy and primitive tribalism.

It is time for all of you who are tired, like I am tired. It is time to make things happen. Time to pump fresh ideas into solving our problems. It is time to drive the point home that Nigeria is nothing without the people—and the people need to come first from now on.

It is time to shake the table of Nigeria’s current political class. It is time for us to get off the side lines and come together as one to change the course of this nation. There is no need staying in different camps if we can come together to shake up this system. If you are not one of those benefiting directly from this nyama-nyama version of Nigeria, then it is safe to say you are of those who future is being mortgaged.

Our time has finally come. Let us shock these dinosaurs with our resolve, and our collective capacity. Let us take Nigeria back from those who believe that it belongs to them and their children. Let us be proud of Nigeria once and for all. And you better stop telling yourself that it cannot be done. God bless Nigeria. Let’s get to work!

Presidential candidate and Founder, Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation, has responded to the speech by President Muhammadu Buhari at the CommonWealth Business Forum.

See tweets below.