Lagos is set to host a major business and leadership gathering as Emiralty Africa prepares to stage its flagship event, Emiralty Connect 1.0, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja on May 14.

The summit, themed “From Scar to Shine: Reflections on Struggles, Breakthrough and Impacts,” is designed to explore the journey from early challenges to long-term success across business, governance, and the creative industry.
Organisers say the conference will focus on a “Three S” framework Scar (struggle), Spark (breakthrough), and Shine (legacy) aimed at highlighting real-life success stories and lessons from industry leaders.

The keynote address will be delivered by Kazeem Olayemi Odeyeyiwa, while a special guest session will feature Farida Ahmed.
The event will be hosted by actor Adeniyi Johnson and media personality Olamilekan Abegunde, who are expected to bring entertainment and engagement to the programme.

A key highlight is the Creative Industry Panel titled “Turning Passion into Power,” featuring industry figures including Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, Bukky Wright, and Libra TV CEO Olalekan Wasiudeen.

The business panel will be moderated by Lanre Basamta and will feature discussions on the role of media in scaling startups, while the governance panel, moderated by Moji Delano, will examine leadership and public service accountability.

Speaking ahead of the event, Idris Olakunle Bello of Emiralty Africa said the summit aims to bridge the gap between private struggles and public success, encouraging entrepreneurs and creatives to transform challenges into lasting impact.

The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and is expected to attract professionals from business, media, governance, and entertainment sectors.

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“A university-wide entrepreneurship engagement programme and a first of its kind national art commission of ₦10m combine to empower Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.“

Lagos, Nigeria – The Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University and Ventures Platform (VP), one of Africa’s leading early-stage venture capital firms, proudly announce a bold three-year partnership that brings together art, innovation, and entrepreneurship to inspire and shape the next generation of Nigerian thinkers, makers, and builders.

Launched as part of Ventures Platform’s 10th anniversary, the initiative combines two complementary pillars, both unfolding over three years from 2026: a structured student engagement platform designed to deepen entrepreneurial development within the Pan-Atlantic University ecosystem, and a futures-focused public art commissioning programme called the Ventures Platform YSMA Futures Art Award.

Powering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

At the heart of the collaboration is a student engagement component embedded within the University’s educational curriculum. Through a series of guest lectures, masterclasses, and practical sessions, Ventures Platform will provide students with direct access to experienced investors and operators, including members of the Ventures Platform team. These engagements are designed to move beyond theory—offering practical insights into building scalable, high-growth ventures and navigating real-world entrepreneurial challenges.

Facilitated by YSMA as a bridge within the University, this component aligns with Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to experiential learning, extending the Museum’s track record of supporting academic programmes through Object-Based Learning and interdisciplinary engagement.

The Futures Art Award: Public Art as a Platform for Innovation

Complementing the educational component is the Ventures Platform–YSMA Futures Art Award, a pioneering annual commission supporting the creation of public-facing sculptures. The award invites artists to imagine and explore ideas around innovation, the future, and public engagement through large-scale work.

Each year, an artist will be selected and funded with the sum of ₦10m to develop a permanent outdoor work within the YSMA sculpture garden and campus environment. More than an award, this initiative reinforces the role of creativity and cultural imagination in shaping entrepreneurial ambition — symbolizing curiosity, bold thinking, and the courage to build. 

Together, these two components reflect a shared belief that innovation thrives where creativity, enterprise, and culture intersect. For Ventures Platform, this is consistent with a long-standing approach to backing not just companies, but the systems, talent, and environments that enable innovation to thrive. Partnering with YSMA, a premier university museum in the country, brings this belief to life by combining artistic experimentation with entrepreneurial exposure in a way that invites artists and students alike to imagine, build, and engage with the future. 

Kola Aina, Founder and General Partner, Ventures Platform highlighted the significance of the collaboration saying:

“At Ventures Platform, we see every day how innovative thinking can expand access and solve hard problems but we also recognize that progress is driven as much by imagination as it is by execution. As we mark our 10th anniversary, this initiative reflects our commitment to intentionally designing environments where the next generation of founders can emerge equipped with clarity, capability, and conviction to build for the future.”

Noting the importance for this collaboration, Jess Castellote, the Museum Director said:

“This collaboration reflects our belief that museums are not just spaces for preserving the past, but platforms for shaping the future through public engagement. The Futures Art Award empowers artists to experiment at a scale that reaches the public, while the educational component strengthens YSMA’s commitment to the experiential learning vision of the university. By bringing together art and entrepreneurship, we are creating new ways for both artists, students and our visitors to engage with the systems and ideas that will define our world.”

Enase Okonedo, the Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University commended the educational component of the partnership:

“This initiative speaks directly to the Pan-Atlantic University’s commitment to experiential learning and interdisciplinary education. It creates a meaningful pathway for our students to engage with industry leaders while also exposing them to the critical and creative thinking that drives innovation. It also enhances our standing as a world-class institution committed to producing well-rounded graduates, equipped with both creative and entrepreneurial capacity.”

Artists and students are invited to engage with the initiatives directly. Details for the Futures Art Award call for entry are as follows:

Call for Entry – Futures Art Award

• Applications Open: April 2, 2026
• Applications Close: May 18, 2026 (6‑week window)
• Who Can Apply: Nigerian & Non-Nigerian artists based in Nigeria, working across sculpture and installation.
• Focus: Experiential, participatory, and technology‑informed public sculptures engineered for long‑term outdoor display with harsh weather‑resistant materials.
• How to Apply: Visit museum.pau.edu.ng/articles/call-for-applications-the-ventures-platform-ysma-futures-art-award for eligibility, guidelines, and submissions.

About Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art

Described as “the apex of a collector’s aspiration to preserve his art” and voted Museum Opening of the Year by Apollo Magazine in 2020, the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art (YSMA) at Pan-Atlantic University is Nigeria’s leading art institution, committed to service and impact through the preservation and showcase of the rich artistic heritage of Nigeria. With an extensive collection of artworks spanning centuries, YSMA offers a diverse range of exhibitions, educational programs, and activities designed to create immersive experiences for visitors and to enrich the cultural landscape of the nation. To learn more about the YSMA and its initiatives, visit www.museum.pau.edu.ng.

For more information, please contact:

Phone: Solomon Nkwagu via +234 815 623 6355                                                                                    

Email: snkwagu@pau.edu.ng 

Follow us on:

Instagram – @shyllonmuseum                                                                                                 

Facebook – @shyllonmuseum                                                                                                             

X/Twitter – @shyllonmuseum                                                                                                 

LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/yemisi-shyllon-museum-of-art 

About Ventures Platform

Ventures Platform (VP) is a leading early‑stage venture capital firm backing founders who build market‑creating innovations that scale access and reduce the cost of essential goods and services across Africa. VP has backed 75+ active portfolio companies and recently secured a $64M first close for its Pan‑African Fund II, with participation from leading global and African institutions. To learn more, visit venturesplatform.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Phone: Damilola Teidi via +234 818 096 2145                                                                           

Email: damilola@venturesplatform.com 

Follow us on:

Instagram – @vp_fund                                                                                                

Facebook – @vp_fund                                                                                                

X/Twitter – @vp_fund                                                                                                             

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/ventures-platform/

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Junior Chamber International JCI Abuja Metropolitan has commemorated the International Women’s Day 2026 with a large-scale skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering women and young people in the Federal Capital Territory.

The training, held on March 27, 2026, at the Basketball Court Area 1 Garki, brought together over 120 participants who were equipped with practical skills to enhance economic independence and promote grassroots development.

Participants received hands-on training in diverse areas including baking, soap making, crocheting, social media marketing, bleach and air freshener production, as well as food production such as chin chin, doughnuts, peanuts, and yoghurt making.

Speaking at the event, the President of JCI Abuja Metropolitan, Abende Tyonenge Sylvester, urged attendees to take full advantage of the opportunity by applying the knowledge gained and extending it to their communities.

“These skills will help us become self-reliant and take meaningful action in empowering our communities,” he said.

As part of efforts to support entrepreneurship, five outstanding participants were shortlisted to receive financial backing to kick-start their businesses.

The organization also expressed appreciation to its partners and collaborators, including the Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs, Project 100, KLEO Aid Foundation, Diplomat Park and Garden, PreshyHookedCrafts, UPAM Nigeria, De Comrade Homes, and the Aids for Street Adolescents’ Education Initiative, among others, for their support in ensuring the success of the initiative.

The event highlights JCI Abuja Metropolitan’s continued commitment to fostering sustainable development through capacity building and inclusive empowerment initiatives.

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Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially launched the European leg of his highly anticipated 5ive Alive World Tour with a sold-out performance in Vienna, Austria.

The opening show took place at the 4,200-capacity Planet.tt Bank Austria Halle im Gasometer, which was filled to capacity as fans turned out in large numbers. Massive queues were seen stretching outside the venue under the Vienna night lights, reflecting the growing global appeal of Afrobeats and Davido’s enduring star power.

The momentum behind the tour has been boosted by Davido’s latest album, 5IVE, which recently topped Austria’s Apple Music R&B chart. Amid the tour excitement, the album also re-entered the chart at No. 40, signaling sustained international interest.

The Vienna concert featured electrifying performances and surprise appearances from fellow Nigerian artists, including Iyanya and Ecool, who added to the night’s high-energy atmosphere.

The European tour follows a series of sold-out stadium shows across Nigeria and the United States, further cementing Davido’s position as one of Africa’s leading global music exports.

After Vienna, the seven-city European run will continue with scheduled stops in major cities including Zurich, Rotterdam, Brussels, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Barcelona.

With strong ticket sales and international chart success, the 5ive Alive World Tour is shaping up to be another landmark moment in Davido’s already illustrious career.

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A 59-kilogram giant fish caught by local fisherman Abubakar Usman stole the spotlight at the 61st edition of the Argungu International Fishing Festival, which returned this year after a six-year hiatus due to insecurity in northwestern Nigeria.

Thousands of spectators, including women, children, and tourists from neighboring West African countries like Niger, Chad, and Togo, braved the scorching 39°C heat to witness the cultural extravaganza at the Matan Fada River. Fishermen competed using traditional round gourds, nets, and bare hands, trying to catch the biggest fish in murky waters while hundreds of spectators lined the riverbank cheering on the participants.

Historic Catch

Usman, from Maiyama Local Government Area, emerged victorious with the record-breaking 59-kg catch during the main competition. His haul earned him two brand-new saloon cars and a ₦1 million cash prize (approximately $739).

Second place went to Abdullahi Garba of Argungu with a 40-kg fish, while Nasir Garba and another contestant tied for third place with 33-kg catches each. Runners-up also received cash and material prizes, highlighting the festival’s spirit of celebration and competition.

A Festival with Deep Roots

The Argungu Festival, which began in 1934 under the traditional ruler of Argungu, Mohammed Sama, was originally intended to mark the end of a century-long hostility between the Kebbi Kingdom and the Sokoto Caliphate. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Nigeria’s most prominent cultural events, drawing international tourists and symbolizing unity, heritage, and local traditions.

The festival featured not only fishing but also traditional wrestling, cultural dances, music performances, and exhibitions of local crafts, creating a multi-day celebration of northern Nigerian culture.

Presidential Visit and Political Pageantry

President Bola Tinubu formally declared the festival open during his visit to Kebbi State, commissioning projects in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi. His visit coincided with the annual event, and the streets leading to the river arena were adorned with campaign billboards for both the president and Kebbi Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris, while supporters in blue T-shirts danced and drummed to celebrate their leaders.

Despite a false start around midday, contestants plunged into the river and resumed the competition once the president arrived two hours later, showing their dedication to the event and its traditions.

Cultural and Regional Significance

For the Emir of Argungu, Al-Hajji Samaila Mohammed Mera, hosting the festival this year was a triumph amid regional security challenges, including sporadic attacks attributed to militant groups. Visitors like Adeniyi Olugbemii, 56, from Sokoto, and Rukaya Ismaila, 23, from Kogi State, praised the festival for its rich cultural displays and the cooperative spirit among competitors.

The Argungu International Fishing Festival remains a unique blend of sport, culture, and tourism, highlighting Nigeria’s heritage while attracting local and international attention, with Usman’s record catch becoming the unforgettable highlight of this year’s return.

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