Author: Damilare Okunola

LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – YouTube has reaffirmed its commitment to amplify Black voices in Africa with a two-day event in Nairobi, Kenya to celebrate the 2023 #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund grantees and allow them to connect, network and collaborate with other creators. Over 100 Black creators from around the world took part in the celebrations in Kenya, which also highlighted the impact that the YouTube Black Voices Fund has had since its launch. Created in 2020 with the purpose of investing in talent and presenting fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power and authenticity of Black voices, the programme has helped over…

Rapper Nicki Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, has been dragged to court for allegedly refusing to pay for a borrowed custom jewelry she allegedly damaged. The award-winning rap legend is being sued by a West Hollywood jeweler who claims they loaned out some jewelry to the rapper. The jeweler claims some of those pieces came back damaged. In documents obtained by TMZ, it was alleged that Nicki’s stylist Brett Alan Nelson signed a contract with Roseark jewelry store, with Roseark agreeing to loan Nicki jewelry for a public appearance. The store claims the contract called for Brett…

ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Reports filtering in across various social media platforms suggest that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) may have suspended its proposed nationwide strike. The organized labour had mobilized its members and sister organizations to hold a nationwide industrial action to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy. Despite recent meetings and consultations, the Joe Ajaero-led NLC had insisted that they would go ahead with the strike, to force the federal government to reverse the prices of fuel across the country. But feelers, on Monday night, have it that the NLC may have decided against their…

One of the most important virtues of leadership is courage. This quality more than any other, will determine whether a leader succeeds or fails in his mission. Whilst vision is important because it outlines and encapsulates a leader’s plan and purpose, it may shipwreck in the stormy sea of public resistance if the leader lacks the courage to push it through. To succeed, a leader must stare down his demons and those of his people as he plods ahead toward his goal. To give in to fear or to be overawed by the weight of public opinion even when he…

Running a business in Nigeria can be an arduous task. Business owners face fierce competition as they strive to secure market share, acquire new customers, and enhance their productivity and profitability. That business environment is getting more competitive. According to World Bank data, 97,988 new businesses were registered in Nigeria in 2020 (the last year for which numbers are available). The country’s rapidly accelerating tech sector provides further evidence of that increased competitiveness. A report from McKinsey found that the number of startups in Nigeria and other African companies grew threefold between 2020 and 2021. The growth of a business,…

Lounging on Labadi Beach, browsing the shops on Osu’s Oxford Street, ending the day with a meal in a local chop bar: This is Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital city. It’s also where, in 2018, we opened our first AI research center in Africa.  The center houses research labs that explore how we can use AI to help solve pressing problems affecting millions of people both locally and globally, like mapping buildings in remote locations to provide better electricity. Our local researchers collaborate with research teams across the globe to work on AI-based tools to create change for communities worldwide, including…

ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly made his first appointment hours after assuming office as Nigeria’s number one citizen. Reports have it that Ambassador Kunle Adeleke has been appointed as the State Chief of Protocol (SCOP) to the President. Similarly, Mr. Dele Alake, one of the spokespersons for the Tinubu/Shettima Campaign organization, is the President’s Spokesperson. READ ALSO: President Tinubu Removes Fuel Subsidy, Lists Action Plans In Inaugural Speech In the same vein, Olusegun Dada, a very prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly been appointed as the SA Digital Media…

ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – At about 10:38am on Monday, 29 May, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over the rein of affairs of Nigeria from ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. The former Lagos State Governor took his oath of office and was pronounced Nigeria’s 16th President amid pomp and pageantry. Shortly before that incident, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, was also sworn-in as Nigeria’s number two citizen, taking over from Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Nigerians have since reacted to the new development which ushers in a fresh set of hands to pilot the affairs of Africa’s most populous nation and the most populous…

ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, is already a beehive of activities, ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Bola Tinubu scheduled for Monday, 29 May. Voiceofnaija.ng’s correspondents in town observed that apart from security measures being put in place at the Eagle Square, venue of the event, the roads leading to the centre are being gradually cordoned off by security operatives. Even though activities leading to the Inauguration started early this week, the countdown to the main event did not reach its climax until Sunday evening, when many more people besieged the Federal Capital to…

Every year on 25 May, the world comes together to celebrate Africa Day, a commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity, now known as the African Union, and the diverse cultures, traditions, and achievements of this incredible continent. Recognized globally, this day serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable progress Africa has made, while reflecting on the challenges it continues to face. Africa, a continent of vibrant colors, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, is a true testament to the human spirit’s resilience and creativity. It is a land of breathtaking natural wonders, pulsating rhythms of…