Business Report

  The growing demand for virtual assistance and outsourced business support has created new opportunities for companies seeking to streamline operations without significantly increasing internal staffing costs. Against this backdrop, The Queen VA, a premium, tech-enabled virtual support company founded by Precious Obodoegbulam, officially launched on Monday, July 13, 2026, with a focus on helping businesses, executives and professionals manage operational demands more efficiently. According to Obodoegbulam, while the virtual assistance industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, many support providers continue to operate reactively, handling tasks as they arise rather than developing systems that can support long-term business growth. The Queen VA was established to address what its founder describes as this gap by combining human expertise with artificial intelligence and automation to help clients simplify operations and reduce the administrative workload that can limit growth...

 By Abiola Ayilara I have handed many things to many people in my years as a nurse: medications, discharge instructions and, sometimes, hard news held as gently as I could. But on July 26 in Lagos, I handed a room full of people something I had never given anyone before  the first glimpse of my book, The Homecare Framework. Writers will tell you that a book preview is exciting. They are right, but that is not the whole truth. What I felt watching people turn those pages was closer to exposure. This book carries 20 years of my life in it  from my nursing training here in Nigeria, through the NHS and homecare settings where I worked across the United Kingdom, to the Nigerian homes I have served since returning to found my homecare business. It carries the night shifts. The homes I entered as a nurse and left feeling almost like family. It also carries the failures of our healthcare system that I witnessed so often that they stopped shocking me. That frightened me more than ...

Simon Ajah is a Nigerian entrepreneur, real estate developer, and technology entrepreneur with interests across real estate, hospitality, and digital innovation. He is the founder of Simon’s Signature Realty Ltd, a Lagos-based real estate company focused on residential property sales, rentals, property management, and development. Through the company, Ajah has built a presence in Lagos’s competitive real estate market, working with homeowners, investors, and property seekers. Beyond real estate, Ajah has interests in the hospitality industry and is associated with Som’s Dishes, a Lagos-based food and hospitality venture. His interest in technology led him to co-found Hauslet, a PropTech platform created to simplify property discovery and improve the experience of buying, renting, and engaging with real estate services. Before establishing himself primarily as an entrepreneur, Ajah was involved in the Nigerian entertainment industry under the stage name Ajay Milli. He gained recognition...

Cologne Kraft, a fragrance retailer based in Ajah, Lagos State, is positioning itself as a destination for consumers seeking authentic designer, niche, ultra-niche and luxury fragrances. The fragrance company offers a selection of scents for both men and women, with its collection comprising boxed and unboxed premium fragrances sourced with a focus on authenticity and quality. According to the company, its product range is targeted at fragrance enthusiasts looking for signature scents, less common fragrance releases and luxury options for personal use or gifting. Cologne Kraft said its approach is centred on providing customers with access to premium fragrances while maintaining attention to sourcing and authenticity in a market where consumers increasingly seek assurance about the origin and quality of fragrance products. The company, which operates from Ajah, Lagos, caters to customers interested in different categories of high-end fragrances and aims to provide options across varyin...

 By Femi Zanzu In what industry observers are describing as one of the most ambitious residential launches in Abuja's real estate calendar, Lenzo Homes Ltd has unveiled Lenzo Peninsula, a master-planned lifestyle estate located at Ketti, Kabusa, Abuja FCT. The estate, now available at pre-sale pricing, is being positioned as a community where residents experience the feeling of vacation, relaxation, and freedom without leaving home. The official tagline "Experience Vacation Every Day" signals a deliberate departure from conventional estate development in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory. A Community, Not Just an Estate Unlike typical residential developments in Abuja, Lenzo Peninsula has been designed as a fully self-sustaining community. According to Lenzo Homes, the estate will feature a wide range of on-site facilities rarely found within a single development, including:  Commercial zones for businesses, retail, and trade  A gas station for residents' ...

ARTCATION, Nigeria's pioneering immersive art-culinary experience, is set to return for its highly anticipated fourth edition, continuing its mission to redefine how African art, culture, and creativity are experienced. This year's edition will feature celebrated chefs Chef Fregz, Chef Amaka, and Chef Colombs, joining an exceptional lineup of contemporary artists in what promises to be ARTCATION's most ambitious chapter yet. Since its debut in 2024, ARTCATION has distinguished itself as more than an art exhibition. By thoughtfully blending contemporary visual art, gastronomy, performance, and storytelling, the platform has created a new category of cultural experiences—one that invites audiences to engage with creativity through every sense. Over the past three editions, ARTCATION has welcomed renowned artists including Joseph Abdallah, 12th, Mariam Olubunmi Aliu, Adetola Adenuga, and Chuma Anagbado, while earning the support of leading brands such as Wakanow, which partne...

  By Chinwe Eze A 12-year-old Nigerian actor, Chibuchi David Francis from Aniocha South Delta state, has won a bronze medal in the Acting category (Ages 11–12) at the 2026 World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), bringing international recognition to Nigeria at one of the world's foremost performing arts competitions. The championship, held from July 13 to July 21 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States, attracted performers from more than 80 countries competing across acting, singing, dancing, modelling, instrumental performance and other creative disciplines. Popularly described as the "Entertainment Olympics," the annual competition provides a global platform for emerging performers while promoting cultural exchange and artistic excellence. Chibuchi represented Team Nigeria under the leadership of Ambassador Lovethpatra White Ekufu, National Director of WCOPA Team Nigeria, Team Manager, Founder and Executive Director of ...

  By Jacob Femi Persianas Retail Limited (PRL), PUMA's official partner in Nigeria and one of the country's leading sports and lifestyle retailers, has opened the doors of the PUMA Afrobeat House in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC). The dedicated hospitality and cultural hub was created for Team Nigeria at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The PUMA Afrobeat House opened on Friday, July 24th and will be open for 10 days. Throughout this period, it has served, and will continue to serve, as a rallying point where athletes, delegates, guests, families and friends can connect and celebrate, with DJ sets, entertainment, Nigerian food, drinks and hospitality. The House also hosted a World Press Conference on Wednesday July 30th, where the NSC, PUMA and PRL celebrated Team Nigeria’s strong showing at the Commonwealth Games and recognised some of the country’s medal-winning athletes for their outstanding performances. Currently, Team Nigeria sits 5th o...

 By Naomi Femi Swoop has launched a guided food-ordering experience through WhatsApp, allowing customers to choose a delivery address, browse nearby restaurants, select meals, review a cart and proceed to payment from an interface opened through the chat. For some Nigerians, placing that journey inside a familiar platform could make digital food delivery easier to approach. Accessibility in digital commerce is often discussed as though every customer faces the same barrier. They do not. One person may be comfortable downloading a new app, creating an account and learning where every feature sits. Another may prefer to begin from a platform they already understand and use every day. The second customer is not necessarily unable to order online. The usual route may simply demand more confidence, attention or device space than they are willing to give it. Swoop’s WhatsApp flow offers another entry point. The customer sends “Hi”, chooses “New Order” or “Reorder”, selects an address and...

 By James Eke  Talent Across Africa, the creative economy is evolving beyond traditional concerts and fashion showcases into community-driven ecosystems that generate cultural influence, commercial opportunities, and long-term business value. Among the platforms helping shape this shift is THIRSTYCLUB999, a Lagos-born creative experience that has steadily established itself as a meeting point for mainstream artists, emerging talent, fashion brands, and young entrepreneurs.  Created by THIRSTY Universe, THIRSTYCLUB999 was built on a simple idea: create a space where established names and underground creatives can exist on the same stage, collaborate naturally, and grow together. Unlike many music events that focus solely on headline performances, THIRSTYCLUB999 intentionally curates an environment where musicians, fashion designers, photographers, filmmakers, DJs, visual artists, and cultural innovators share the spotlight. The result is a platform that functions not only ...

   Nigerian highlife star Flavour is set to headline the LOUD IN AFRICA Concert Series in New York City on August 14, 2026, as organisers prepare for what is expected to be one of the biggest African music events of the summer. The concert will take place at Racket NYC, bringing together music lovers from across the African diaspora for an evening celebrating African music, culture and entertainment. Popularly known as the "King of Highlife," Flavour has built a global reputation with his blend of highlife, Afrobeats and contemporary African music, earning a loyal fan base across Africa, Europe and North America. The event will also feature performances by Naomi Achu, Prince Bright of Buk Bak, Bruck Up (Mr. Excitement), 2Cent, Unathi Nkayi, while Nollywood actress Mercy Macjoe is expected to make a special guest appearance. Speaking ahead of the concert, Founder of LOUD IN AFRICA, Abass Mubarak Akeju, described the event as part of a broader effort to promote African culture ...

    Often, people say Lagos may be one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, but alongside its housing deficit lies another growing concern: the increasing demand for homes that offer more than just four walls and an address. As the city expands, many homebuyers and investors are seeking spaces that combine functionality, intentional design, and long term value. Responding to this need, D’Lodge Apartments has been introduced as a premium residential development in Lekki Peninsula II, positioned within reach of key business districts, schools, and lifestyle destinations. Comprising thoughtfully designed one and two bedroom apartments, D’Lodge reflects a vision of creating spaces that place equal emphasis on comfort, functionality, and everyday living experiences. With features such as open plan kitchens and expansive panoramic balconies, the development has been designed with modern homeowners, young professionals, growing families, and investors in mind. D’Lodge is more than ano...

   What began as a lockdown hobby in early 2020 has grown into a thriving real estate company helping Nigerians achieve home ownership and build wealth. The founder of Adifua Real Estate and Construction started his journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, frequently viewing properties across the capital. With guidance from a supportive boss, real estate quickly became more than a side interest. While still operating without a formal team, he also ventured into the hospitality sector, successfully establishing Flenjo, a popular restaurant and grill. Today, the company has built a reputation for helping individuals grow their wealth through strategic real estate investments. Many clients have reportedly become millionaires thanks to well-chosen properties. Adifua Real Estate and Construction is particularly focused on affordability and long-term value. The company only promotes properties with strong appreciation potential and currently offers FCDA-approved lands and homes in prim...

  By Asata John Dexta Africa has announced that it is on course to deliver its maiden residential development, D’Lennox, in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to raising the standard of luxury housing in Nigeria. The announcement comes nearly two years after the company entered the real estate market with a promise to provide Nigerians with thoughtfully designed homes built with exceptional quality, functionality, and attention to detail. With Nigeria, particularly Lagos, continuing to experience a significant housing deficit and growing concerns over construction quality, Dexta Africa stated that its vision extends beyond simply building houses to creating homes that offer comfort, functionality, and long-term value. Located in the prestigious Lekki Peninsula II, D’Lennox is an exclusive development comprising seven ultra-luxury four-bedroom terrace duplexes with boys’ quarters (BQ). The project is strategically positioned less than two minutes from ...

For many entrepreneurs, success is measured by profit margins and business growth. But for Mballoh Fofana, founder of Le Mandingue African Restaurant in Philadelphia, the true measure of success lies in overcoming adversity, preserving culture and creating opportunities for others. Fofana's story is one of resilience after tragedy. In 1998, she lost one of her legs in an accident an experience that could have ended her entrepreneurial aspirations. Instead, she turned the setback into motivation, rebuilding her life through determination, faith and hard work. More than 22 years later, she has established Le Mandingue African Restaurant as one of the Philadelphia region's longest-serving African restaurants, earning a reputation for authentic West African cuisine and warm hospitality. Beyond the restaurant business, Fofana has also expanded into real estate, building a portfolio of commercial and residential properties across the Philadelphia area reportedly valued at about $15 m...

 While most 19-year-olds are still figuring out their major, Adeoluwasubomi Odebunmi was already sketching out what would become ChatPay. Now 20 and a recent Software Engineering graduate, she's the Product Lead behind a startup betting that banking belongs inside WhatsApp. It's a familiar frustration to basically every Nigerian with a bank account: an app that crashes mid-transfer, a forgotten PIN, a POS queue eating into your day, or the dreaded “kindly bear with us” message. Adeoluwasubomi noticed it as a student. Now she's building the fix. ChatPay, operated by CP Technology Limited and headquartered on Ikorodu Road in Maryland, Lagos, is built to close that gap: send money, buy airtime, pay bills and manage a business account, without leaving a WhatsApp chat. The company is currently in a controlled rollout, working with licensed banking partners as it moves toward full public launch. What makes ChatPay's story unusual in Nigeria's crowded fintech scene is not ...

   _400+ Unit Estate Also Known As Morire City, Financed by Federal Mortgage Bank, With Ongoing Projects in Prime One Sangotedo and Yabatech GRA_ Ishi Homes Limited, a real estate development company headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos, is driving large-scale housing delivery across Nigeria through strategic investments in Lagos and Kwara States. The company, founded by Otunba Dr. Olayinka Ilufoye, is currently executing multiple projects including a fully integrated estate of over 400 housing units in Offa, Kwara State named AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Estate, also known as Morire City. The estate is named in honour of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and is financed by the Federal Mortgage Bank. The company also has ongoing multi-billion naira developments at Prime One Sangotedo, Lekki, Lagos and Yabatech GRA, Lagos. Speaking on the company’s vision, Otunba Ilufoye said Ishi Homes is committed to building more than houses...

  By Diamond Abidemi Every time you get behind the wheel, there are a few essentials you never forget. Your car keys. Your wallet. Your driver's licence. But what if proving your motor insurance could be just as simple? That's the idea behind "Just Two Cards" —a new approach by Tangerine General Insurance that is changing how motorists carry proof of insurance. Instead of relying on paper certificates that can be misplaced, damaged, or left behind, drivers now have a smarter alternative: the Tang Auto Card . The concept is simple. Just two cards. Your Driver's Licence. Your Tang Auto Card. Together, they give you everything you need to drive with confidence. The Tang Auto Card is a Digital Motor Certificate ID Card issued to Tang Auto Insurance customers. Embedded with a secure QR code, it allows authorised personnel to instantly verify your insurance details with a simple scan. It is compact enough to fit neatly into your wallet, durable enough for everyday use, ...

 By James John Platform combines client-facing digital dashboard with managed execution services  addressing the trust gap that costs Nigerian property owners billions annually through payment disputes, site readiness failures, and intermediary-driven quality degradation. Murals Nigeria Limited (RC 8034511) today announced the public launch of Spaces by Murals.ng , a client-facing digital platform combined with managed execution services for complex commercial interior projects. Spaces helps hotels, developers, property owners, and other commercial clients move from an approved design or project brief to a documented, finished interior through one coordinated execution process. “Clients should not have to choose between creative ambition and delivery visibility. Spaces gives the client a clearer view of what is being produced, who is responsible for each stage, what needs to happen before installation, and when a project is ready for approval.” Olufemi Adeleke, Founder and CE...