Federal Government of Nigeria and DiFZIN Inaugurate Committee for the Establishment of Digital Free Zone for Technology and Global Service Businesses

 

PRESS RELEASE

Federal Government of Nigeria & Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) inaugurate committee for the Establishment of Digital Free Zone for Technology and Global Service Businesses

Digital Free Zones foster innovation and economic expansion by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI and Edge Computing, and a supportive regulatory environment

LAGOS, Nigeria, August 9, 2024/ -- In a bid to drive the ease of doing business for global digital, finance, knowledge- and services-oriented enterprises in Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria established a steering committee chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to drive the promotion and establishment of a digital free zone in Nigeria to accommodate the peculiar needs of innovative digital trade and service businesses. This steering committee is chaired by His Excellency Mr President, supported by the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy (“HMF/CME”) as Vice Chairman. Other members are the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; the Honourable Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment; Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and Interior; the heads of relevant Government Agencies and Committees; and the Initiative for the Promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) as the private-sector stakeholders' representative and technical advisers. DiFZIN is a non-profit advocacy and policy research organisation supported by a consortium of private sector development-focused and advisory institutions including Africa Finance Corporation, PwC Nigeria, Charter Cities Institute, Future Africa, and Itana. The mission of the organisation is to see Nigeria’s free zones ecosystem fulfil its full potential as Africa’s major hub for global technology and service businesses. This Committee will work collaboratively with relevant agencies of government and private stakeholders to review and align Nigeria’s free zone policies, technology and processes with global standards, then develop and publish policy and operational frameworks to enable qualified global and local technology and service businesses to establish Pan-African or global operations from Nigeria. Businesses that take advantage of the zone will benefit from competitive business incentives provided by modernized free zones regulations, including tax, immigration and banking incentives, simplified government compliance processes, clear and predictable business regulation and an enabling business environment. As part of the Federal Government’s strategic growth objectives, it aims to boost foreign direct investment, create employment opportunities, and facilitate the capital flow into Nigeria’s economy, through an innovative and future-oriented approach to the free zones ecosystem. The HMF/CME stated that “the pivotal role of free zones to catalysing and sustaining economic growth in an emerging market such as Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. Its implementation in this digital age must not only encompass manufacturing undertakings but also integrate the central role of technology-focused businesses in attracting investments and making available to the global markets, our domestic talents under a liberal regulatory framework. These and more are what the Government aims to deliver through the digital free zones.” Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, MD/CEO of NEPZA (Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority), emphasized the Authority’s commitment to digital transformation. He highlighted the e-NEPZA platform, which will streamline government services and comply with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business policy. Dr Ogunyemi also noted the importance of data privacy, with data stored locally in local servers as well as the ability of small businesses to access global markets, addressing the need for digital infrastructure like fibre optics. “We look forward to partnering with DiFZIN to advance our digital processes,” he stated. NEPZA’s support for Digital Free Zones signals a move towards a digitally driven economy, unlocking new opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises as well as large corporations in Nigeria. Mr. Luqman Edu (Executive Director of DiFZIN and CEO of Itana) and the DiFZIN consortium, aim to support the Federal Government in positioning Nigeria as a hub for regional expansion across Africa. These efforts are designed to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s GDP, government revenue, capital importation, and foreign exchange availability, while simultaneously generating employment opportunities for the burgeoning Nigerian youth population. “DiFZIN is committed to driving the agenda for reforms to the regulatory frameworks for taxation, banking, immigration, and ease of doing business, among others, within the free zones ecosystem,” said Mr Edu. “Our goal is to create a conducive environment for global technology and services-based businesses to thrive, facilitating remote operations and banking from Nigeria for Africa, thereby positioning Nigeria as a hub for Africa, akin to what Delaware is for the US, and Dubai is for Asia.” Speaking on the partnership with DiFZIN, Banji Fehintola, Head of Financial Services at AFC said “AFC’s advisory team is uniquely skilled in providing tailored financial and technical advice to public and private sector players across Africa. We look forward to collaborating with DiFZIN and all other partners to modernize Nigeria’s free trade zones, attract much-needed investment, create local jobs, and boost trade and commerce in Nigeria and Africa.” Digital Free Zones foster innovation and economic expansion by leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies such as AI and Edge Computing, and a supportive regulatory environment. These ecosystems serve as incubators for innovation, providing a platform for businesses to drive growth and competitiveness. The supportive regulatory framework also ensures a conducive environment for experimentation, collaboration, and the seamless integration of emerging technologies into everyday business operations. For more information about DiFZIN and its initiatives, please visit www.DiFZIN.org or contact hello@difzin.org. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).   Media Enquiries: Yewande Thorpe Communications Africa Finance Corporation Mobile : +234 1 279 9654 Email : yewande.thorpe@africafc.org About AFC: AFC was established in 2007 to be the catalyst for pragmatic infrastructure and industrial investments across Africa. AFC’s approach combines specialist industry expertise with a focus on financial and technical advisory, project structuring, project development, and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs and drive sustainable economic growth. Seventeen years on, AFC has developed a track record as the partner of choice in Africa for investing and delivering on instrumental, high-quality infrastructure assets that provide essential services in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications. AFC has 43 member countries and has invested US$13 billion across Africa since inception. www.AfricaFC.org SOURCE Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

Call For Applications - YouthADAPT Challenge 2023 : Empowering Africa's Female Tech Innovators To Tackle Climate Change

PRESS RELEASE

Call For Applications -  YouthADAPT Challenge 2023: Empowering Africa’s Female Tech Innovators To Tackle Climate Change

The winners will be awarded $100,000 each, alongside mentorship and coaching to further their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas

Access Multimedia Content

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 25, 2023/ -- The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (https://apo-opa.info/3s7IvoI), a joint initiative of the African Development Bank (http://www.AfDB.org) and the Global Center on Adaptation, has launched a call for applications for the third edition of the YouthADAPT Challenge, which seeks to support young entrepreneurs driving solutions to tackle climate change. The annual YouthADAPT competition invites young entrepreneurs leading micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that can drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent. This year’s call focuses on female-owned enterprises pioneering Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence; big data analytics; virtual reality; robotics; internet of things; quantum computing; additive manufacturing; blockchain, and fifth-generation wireless for climate adaptation. With support from the Africa Climate Change Fund (https://ACCF.AfDB.org/), hosted by the Bank, the winners will be awarded $100,000 each, alongside mentorship and coaching to further their climate change adaptation solutions and business ideas. They will also join the YouthADAPT Alumni Network to learn from a dynamic community of youth entrepreneurs throughout Africa. To be eligible, applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 35. Their ventures should be youth-led and offer tangible solutions to real-life climate challenges. They must be registered and operational in Africa, with at least two years’ worth of accounts. Apply by visiting the YouthADAPT competition portal (https://apo-opa.info/3Q8WLVZ).  The closing date for applications is 5 November 2023 at 17:00 GMT. An information session is scheduled for 23 October 2023 at 11:00 GMT to share details about the YouthADAPT Challenge 2023. This session will cover eligibility criteria, the application process, important deadlines, and the advantages of participation, such as grants, mentorship, and business development services. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).   Contacts: African Development Bank Joash Ntenga Moitui,  Communications and Knowledge Management, Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program E-mail: j.moitui@afdb.org   Africa Climate Change Fund Rita Effah, Coordinator, Africa Climate Change Fund r.effah@afdb.org Global Center on Adaptation Alex Gee, Head of Communications, Global Center on Adaptation E-mail: alex.gee@gca.com About the African Development Bank: The overarching aim of the African Development Bank Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries, thus contributing to poverty reduction. The Bank Group achieves this goal by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in regional member countries and providing policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts. In 2015, all multilateral development institutions agreed on the same set of objectives, the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more: https://www.AfDB.org/. About Africa Climate Change Fund: The Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF or Fund) is a multi-donor trust fund well positioned to contribute to the achievement of the African Development Bank’s goal to triple its climate financing efforts and foster its drive for a climate-resilient Africa. Visit ACCF’s website:  https://ACCF.AfDB.org/. About the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA): The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that works as a solutions broker to accelerate action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sectors. For more information, please go to www.GCA.org.   SOURCE African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The Billionaires Mindset

1. HAVE UNBREAKABLE FAITH in your CREATOR and in YOURSELF. The size of your faith is the size of your strength. Avoid foolish pride in yourself. Be amiable, humble and noble. 
2. Family is your top priority. Reject every form of failure and deprivation in any member of your family. Don't forget that Charity begins at home. Confess every morning before you go out I REJECT POVERTY.  I ACCEPT PROSPERITY.
3. Acquire the education and skills you require for success in your career (occupation or profession).
4. Be a dare devil go-getter in business for contracts, jobs and commissions. DON'T EVER DEGRADE YOURSELF. And DON'T DEGRADE OTHERS. 
5. Be an enterpreneur and start your own company as soon as you can to produce or provide a product or service majority of people need in your location.
6. Believe in the Universal Law of Reciprocity. Do Good. Avoid Evil. BE ALWAYS GRATEFUL.
7. Explore all possibilities and opportunities in legitimate investments online and offline in the most profitable ventures, stocks and startups. INVEST IN REAL ESTATE before you are 30.
8. In unforseen economic challenges or Acts of God, ADAPT or REINVENT or you will become EXTINCT
9. Have current, domiciliary and fixed bank accounts in your local currency and in American dollars and Pound Sterling 
10. Cut off liabilities and whatever does not add value to your life and business.
11. Have life, health and company insurance policies.
12. Health is wealth. So have only foods and drinks with proven health benefits. Keep fit, Relax and Avoid Stress.

Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

The CEO,

International Digital Post Network Limited,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series

Nigeria Daily Twitter

https://twitter.com/nigeriadaily

New Nigeria on Pinterest

www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

#God

#Faith

#family

#charity

#billion

#billionaire

#Success

#business

#education

#career

#jobs

#contracts

#contacts

#career

#bank

#economy

#finance

#investment

#stocks

#realestate

#insurance

#NFTs

New NFTs for Sale on https://nftmyimage.com/@nigeriadaily    

Ada Ure, First Daughter of Beauty

Ada is the Igbo name for the first daughter.

Her body decorated with Uli black dye motifs.

Uli is as old as 3000!BC

Igbo mythology said Uli was a gift from Ala, the goddess of earth, who blessed women with the ability to create art.

The Igbo tribe has the oldest monarchy in Africa dating back to the ancient Igbo Ukwu during the Bronze Age around  3,000-2,500 BC,  same period of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Uli Si Naka Chi

Means Art of Uli comes from the hand of destiny or God.

This esoteric NFT is done in Nsibidi, ancient form of writing in pictograms,  logograms or syllabograms by the Igbo tribe and related ethnic groups in South Eastern Nigeria. Insibidi means the Beginning in Igbo language.

I have been exhibited in Japan in 1983 when I was 20 and my works were insured by the UNESCO. I was exhibited in the National Museum of Nigeria and curated the first Art Against AIDS Exhibitions in Nigeria in 1993 at the National Museum and National Arts Theatre in Lagos. All the works were collected. 

My highest priced works in oil paintings on canvas were, "The Metamorphosis of the HIV in the T-Cell" was bought by Family Health International (FHI) and "Eruption of the Love Virus" bought by a private art collector. $20,000 for each one at first exhibition in the National Museum in 1993.

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2023/09/new-nfts-for-sale.html

You Engage, You Win - Applications, Engagement Strategies and Business Services

PRESS RELEASE

You Engage, You Win - Applications, Engagement Strategies and Business Services

The technology used by Grywit has an opinion of innovation on international scale and can be used as an employer branding and recruitment tool

GDANSK, Poland, April 26, 2023/ -- We have a solution, for increasing the motivation and commitment of your employees. As Grywit (www.Grywit.pl), we create mobile applications that, based on gamification and positive psychology, become an ideal tool to support businesses.

A word of introduction - about Grywit

Grywit has been dynamically developing on the Polish market for years, offering strategy building services and creating web applications and platforms that increase engagement and achieve goals with the help of new technologies. Our offer also includes comprehensive training and development, loyalty and sales programs.

We have also started to develop our business in Africa and would like to expand our activities there. Through GITEX Africa 2023, we would especially like to attract new partners who would like to join our projects, support them and help us promote them on a larger scale. We are also looking for new customers, and hope to gain them through participation in GITEX. GRYWIT's offer is very rich, so we think we can contribute a lot to the whole event.

The technology used by Grywit has an opinion of innovation on international scale and can be used as an employer branding and recruitment tool.

We know the challenges you can face, because we were "in your shoes" for a dozen of years. Our CEO has tested the solutions we propose as a manager and director at General Electric Company. She was tring to solve challenges with employees / clients using traditional methods. However, they were not effective enough, so she decided to create a new way to change the behavior of employees and customers. The method she developed proved to be so effective that she resigned from the position of managing director at General Electric in order to found Grywit and be able to improve other companies.

What is gamification?

Gamification [1] - using schemes and mechanisms known from games outside the context of games, especially in various group activities, to increase the involvement of people performing specific tasks. The technique is based on the pleasure that comes from overcoming subsequent achievable challenges, competition, cooperation etc.

Gamification allows people to engage in activities that are in line with the author's expectations, even if they are considered boring or routine. Gamification is most often used to achieve one of three goals:

achieving a higher level of user involvement,

changes in user behavior (e.g. new habits),

stimulating innovation

In our solutions, we combine gamification with instant feedback ('here and now' feedback), mutual appreciation, social engagement loops, interactive communication and a sense of influence. This is the result of research carried out in companies that show that combining all these aspects in one application gives the best results.

We have an opinion in innovation on an international scale.

"The implementation of Grywit technology is innovative on an international scale, which should be launched as soon as possible to revolutionize today's services (...) to bring about innovation, efficiency or commitment.”

What are our areas of cooperation?

Employee motivation programs and loyalty for customers

Wellbeing and pro-ecological programs for employees

Applications for events, conferences and anniversaries

Apps for training and competence building

Learn more about Grywit: www.Grywit.pl 

We are also starting a project called "Justmotive".

Justmotive is a platform whose main tool is a mobile application. We give the opportunity to our clients to create their own dedicated application that will help them develop their business in the online space.

At the moment, we are in the process of expanding our platform. In addition to the part that brings together experts who can run their courses and trainings in the online space through our app and increase engagement with their audience, we also have six other parts of the Justmotive platform. These are: Justmotive Experts, Justmotive Fashion, Justmotive Artists, Justmotive Sport, Justmotive MLM, Justmotive Connect and Justmotive Edu.

1] Source: https://apo-opa.info/43YS4V7 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Grywit.

GRYWIT Anna Jankowiak
Ul. Sopocka 7
80-299 Gdańsk, Poland
Tel.: 602-775-961
anna.jankowiak@grywit.pl

SOURCE
Grywit

There Cannot Be Any Acceleration and Expansion of Digital Economy Without Biometric IDV

There cannot be any acceleration and expansion of digital economy without biometric Identity Verification (IDV) for all transactions.

-  Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The CEO, 
International Digital Post Network Limited.

PalmPay Hits 10 Million User Milestone in Nigeria

 

PRESS RELEASE

PalmPay Hits 10 Million User Milestone in Nigeria

The fintech has gained significant traction with its payment’s app and nationwide agency banking network

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LAGOS, Nigeria, August 31, 2022/ -- PalmPay (https://PalmPay.com/), a fintech innovator aiming to make digital payment more accessible and flexible, announced that it has reached 10 million users in Nigeria. This represents a doubling in its user base within just six months and puts its customer numbers in the same league as major institutions only 3 years after the company launched in the market. The fintech, which operates under a Mobile Money Operator license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, has gained significant traction with its payment’s app and nationwide agency banking network. Its proposition of instant financial account creation, fee-free bank transfers and cashback rewards on airtime and bill payments has appealed to Millennial and Gen-Z consumers, who are looking for more affordable banking options and prefer the convenience of a digital-first service. Nowadays PalmPay is processing millions of transactions a day. And around 20% of the company’s customer base report that the PalmPay app was their first financial account, demonstrating that the Mobile Money Operator is contributing to driving progress towards financial inclusion targets in Nigeria, where 36% of the population remains unbanked. Nigerians without smartphones can visit one of PalmPay’s 200,000 mobile money agents across the country, who can transact on their behalf or issue an innovative QR card that can be used to hold a balance. Consumers can also use PalmPay agents to deposit cash to their PalmPay accounts and to withdraw money using their debit cards through PalmPay-branded POS machines. “We are delighted to be able to celebrate this growth milestone and are proud of PalmPay’s track record of making cutting-edge financial services accessible to every Nigerian - including the unbanked.”, said Mr Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay Nigeria, "The pandemic has accelerated the shift from cash to digital payments and we are looking forward to continuing to work together with regulators and our partners to innovate to meet the financial needs of consumers." “Our significant growth in Nigeria demonstrates PalmPay’s ability to innovate to meet the financial needs of consumers, and we are looking forward to replicating this success as we scale in more markets across Africa.” said Sofia Zab, PalmPay Global CMO. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.   Media Contact: PalmPay Global Communications press@palmpay-inc.com About PalmPay: PalmPay is a fintech innovator that aims to make digital payment more accessible and flexible for consumers and merchants. We improve users' digital payment experiences by offering instant financial account creation, money transfers, and bill payments. Since launching in 2019, PalmPay has quickly established itself as one of the continent's leading and fastest-growing payment providers with 10 million users and a mobile money agent network of 200,000. PalmPay raised a US$100 million Series A round of funding in August 2021, with US$140 million raised in total. The company is now operating in Nigeria and Tanzania, and will be scaling its proposition in other African markets in 2022. Learn more about PalmPay at https://www.PalmPay.com/ SOURCE PalmPay

DISCOVER MIP AFRICA 2022

DISCOVER MIP AFRICA

MIP Africa is a B2B market for film, television, and digital content distribution and co-production business in Africa. Whether you are involved in producing, distributing, financing or buying film and TV content for African audiences, MIP Africa is the Content Market that will put you face-to-face with the people, content and ideas to give your business a new doorway to huge opportunity.

Blood & Water's Ama Qamata

"As a female filmmaker, one of the key things you hope and dream for is to have your story represented on a global stage, and adds, “It’s amazing to see so many creative Africans, experienced and up-coming, coupled in one space, on one platform telling stories for our people and being the ones in charge of everything, from creating the stories to how we tell them- it’s incredibly special.’’
- Nosipho Dumisa, South African creative, writer, director and producer for Netflix's Blood & Water

https://www.fameweekafrica.com/en-gb/mip-africa.html

#film #netflix #television # #business #opportunity #digital #people #content #creative #b2b #africa #water #stage #writer #filmmarket #filmmaking #filmmakers #acquisition #distribution #africa

The Next Big Thing

 The Next Big Thing

Since 2014 I have been developing what will become the biggest and largest digital media network in the world and I have chosen to run with the vision Almighty God has shown me.
It is the greatest idea for the  digital media ecosystem.

I have shown only the MVP which will be a digital news media revolution in the history of modern news media in Africa.

My ultimate goal is the disruption of the  e-commerce and fintech industry by total decentralization of human interactions and transactions in every part of the world from the hand of everyone with a camera phone.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The CEO,
International Digital Post Network Limited,
Lagos, San Francisco, New York.

#ceo #digital #network #fintech #africa #commerce #news #lagos #sanfrancisco #newyork #communications #phones #transactions #payments

"King of Thieves" of Nollywood and the Myth of Second Largest Film Industry in the World

"King of Thieves", the current highest grossing Nigerian movie has not made up to US$1m in 7 weeks of showing in all the cinemas by the largest cinema chain in Nigeria and West Africa.

The current box office report from the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) shows that #Nollywood is not among the top 10 biggest film industries in the world in box office revenues.
The fictitious stats of UNESCO  on Nollywood must have been made up by those who failed to verify the current reports on the Nigerian film industry. They simply made the assumptions from their  laptops in Geneva and New York City and cannot even locate Asaba on the map of Africa. By the way,  Asaba presently produces more movies than Lagos and other cities in Nigeria. An actor can play major roles in ten different movies within one month in Asaba in Delta State. I doubt if any of the foreign news reporters and writers on Nollywood has been to Asaba. Most of their reports have been written in the comfort of the cozy rooms of the big hotels in Lagos and Abuja.
Now you can see why the so called "booming" second largest film industry in the world is full of hungry actors and directors who are still hustling to make ends meet.
Let us pray.

- By EKENYERENGOZI Michael Chima,
Publisher/Editor, NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series, Lagos, Nigeria.

#film #nigeria #lagos #africa #business #movies #news
#filmindustry #filmmakers #boxoffice #Asaba #unesco #report #geneva #newyorkcity

Moulin Rouge Rooftop Bar and Lounge Opens for Business

Moulin Rouge Rooftop  Bar and Lounge Opens for Business 

- By Ingram Osigwe 

A paradigm shift in relaxation and entertainment will on Saturday, 28th May 2022, set sail in Lagos as Moulin Rouge  Rooftop Bar and Lounge opens for business.

Situated at 33A Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu Road, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, Lounge is a classy home for Quality Alcoholics, Wines, Champagnes, Cognac, Whiskey, Tequila and Vodka from the best wineries, distilleries and cognac regions of the world.

Moulin Rouge Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a new vista in winery and pleasure. With the exhilarating ambience it promises to offer visitors and customers,there is no doubt that connoisseurs in Amuwo and the environment are looking forward to the grand opening.

Apart from good ambience, the Lounge also boasts of watertight security and friendly  smart looking bartenders.

The Lounge's location makes it  accessible to visitors coming into Amuwo Odofin from other parts of Lagos.

For example, from Apple junction beside SUNFIT, it is easily accessible to Festac, Amuwo, Apapa, Okota and Kirikiri residents.

The grand opening ceremony will feature DJ Guchi. Hypeninja will also be part of the opening ceremony.

***

Ingram Osigwe a wine Aficionado writes from Lagos.

India Has 100 Unicorns

 India Has 100 Unicorns

India is becoming the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystem with 100 Unicorn Startups, as of 2022. In today's world, unicorn startups are not as uncommon as before; however, building a unicorn startup is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and perseverance throughout the startup's journey to climb the ladder of unicorns, and the ones that have bagged the title of unicorns are discussed in this article.

Read more on 
https://startuptalky.com/top-unicorn-startups-india/

Write Like An Author, Sell Like An Entrepreneur

Write Like An Author, Sell Like An Entrepreneur is the product of very interesting conversations with many authors around the globe. The notion that an excellent book will ultimately sell itself with or without good promotion is the reason many writers become discouraged when they suddenly realize that literally excellence does not automatically equate to commercial success.

Before you write your next book, there are critical questions you must ask yourself and provide answers to. Questions like:

- Who am I writing to? (Target audience)

- Does my target audience have the purchasing power to buy my book

- Where is my target audience located?

- What are the things that can trigger them to buy or not to buy my book? etc.

This book provides you with; a trajectory on how to answer these questions and the strategies you need to build a profitable business out of your writing career.

And for those who are yet to begin or finish a manuscript because of the fear of the unknown, this book will help you come out of the fear zone, clarify your message and pen down your words in the most beautiful way possible.

This book is every Writer's guide, whether you're a first time writer, a veteran writer or a best-selling author.

Purchase the book on 

https://paystack.com/pay/wlasle-hardcopybook. 

Sir Iheaku, the Stockfish Mogul Laid to Rest

Sir Iheaku, the Stockfish Mogul Laid to Rest

By Chief Ingram Osigwe

According to the Holy Bible, there is time for everything- time to be born, time to grow, time to procreate, time to die. The irrepressible Sir (Dr) Godson Nwosu Iheaku (Omenkeahurunnaya 1 of Osina) has completed the cycle and has gone home to be with his maker.

He had seen it all and has, therefore, bowed out, in a blaze of glory and at a glorious age of 85. Sir Iheaku hailed from Osina town, in Ideato North local government area of Imo state.

This quintessential business mogul who brought to the zenith, east of the Niger, the trade in stockfish, popular and revered in Igboland as "Okporoko" was one of Osina's first Eleven- earliest wealthy men, business moguls and captains of Industry who brought the town to the limelight.

Sir Iheaku was Born on the 10th of September, 1936 as the first son of the family of Nze Iheakubiara Agwunobi Nwaebube and Mrs Akuoma Iheaku (nee Umezurike), both of blessed memory. The family belongs to Umuokearukwa kindred in Akpaka-na-Ezeala Village, Idima Autonomous Community (formerly, Of-eke Osina), Ideato North Local Government Council of Imo State, Nigeria.

Growing up, the young Godson was imbued with uncanny intellect. He was a brilliant pupil who dazzled all with electrifying academic performances that stood him on a pedestal for higher educational pursuit.

Had the interplay of factors not collaborated to eventually steer his life trajectory towards trading, Sir Iheaku would have ended up an erudite scholar with loud academic accomplishments. In fact, during his lifetime, Sir Iheaku was often referred to as "the Academic Giant" Osina never had.

However, the laurels and glories that he would have garnered in the academic world, Sir Iheaku got in the arena of trading and merchandising.

Before his demise, Sir Godson Iheaku was the Chairman and Chief Executive of a Mega Group of Limited Liability Companies, including:

*G. N. Iheaku and Co. Ltd 

*Gincolin Associates Ltd 

*United Fish Merchants Ltd

*ICCI International Ltd

*Integrated Fisheries Ltd.

A large-hearted man, Sir Iheaku trained and mentored several young men from different parts of Nigeria in trading. Many of them are today successful businessmen in their rights.

There is hardly a Stockfish trader in Nigeria that does not have a business relationship with him; directly or indirectly.

His impact on the Stockfish business has been so profound that his mentees and business beneficiaries go as far as almost unionising to keep alive his business legacy. His business footsteps will surely remain indelible in the sands of time.

Sir Iheaku was not a slave to wealth. He believed in good living to demonstrate the goodness of God in one's life. This explained why, during his lifetime, he was fashion-conscious. It was not unusual to see him dressed in well-made, trendy traditional wears- Ishiagu, Agbada, Senator etc.

A community leader who was passionate about the development of his community, Osina, Sir Iheaku meritoriously served his beloved home town in different capacities from 1972 till he breathed his last.

Worthy of mention too are his services to the Church. He was a Christian of the Anglican Communion and was equally one of the pillars of St. John's Osina and St. Andrew's Onitsha. His services at both the local church and diocesan levels were subsequently recognized by the then Bishop of Okigwe-Orlu Anglican Diocese, the Rt. Rev. S. C. N- Ebo who, on 5th November 1989, conferred on him the Knight Order of St Christopher.

A consummate family man and a doting husband, father and grandfather, Sir Iheaku got married in 1962 to his heartthrob, then Miss Esther Ugbondu Aghajiuba from Ikpa, Urualla.

The marriage is blessed with several children and grandchildren- all accomplished in various human endavours.

Sir Chineme Iheaku( Okosisi), Omenkeahurunnaya was laid to rest on Friday 18th February 2022 at his Country home, Osina, Ideato North LGA Imo state after 10 am burial mass at St John's Anglican Church Osina.

He was indeed a trailblazer and a good man.

In the words of Sir Tony Ezenna( Ijele Akokwa), Chairman, Orange  Group, "during his eventful life on earth, Sir Iheaku was driven by diligence, patience, and tenacity of purpose, honesty and hard work- rare virtues that greatly endeared him to all who encountered him, including his family,  business partners, associates, friends and indeed the people of Osina, his community, and the ancient kingdom of Ideato as a whole.

"Omenkeahurunnaya was an illustrious son of Osina who gave his all to the community- serving it in various capacities thus contributing immensely to making the modern town it is today"

Apart from Sir Ezenna, other notable personalities that attended the burial include His Excellency, Chief Emeka Ihedioha former Imo state Governor, Hon Jones Onyeriri, Barr Chijioke Nzekwe, Hon ThankGod Ezeani, Chief Sir Fabian Onwuachu,Emeritus President,Peoples Club of Nigeria international, Lolo Lizzy Ezenna,Chief Okey Dike, Chief Laz Vegas Okafor, Chief Ogoo Umeh and Barr Acho Nnodim, Prof Theo Ndubuizu, Sir Chidi Chiege, IKENGA Imo and Party chieftains.