General News
Why We Need to Build a World Where Influence is a Blessing and Never a Curse
By Tomide Adeyeye
A quick glance through history and you will notice some key people who shaped the world. While many of these historical figures may be long gone, their impact is still very surreal.
For example, the Nazis’ idea of a “national community” shaped according to their racial ideals, was (and still is) a strong narrative used to validate some of the vile actions carried out. Nazis used laws to define and then separate those who belonged to the “national community” from those who did not. And they used the media to influence the thoughts, feelings, and actions of individuals in Germany.
While the Nazis used propaganda as a tool to try to condition the German public to accept, and support, all of their goals (including rearmament and war), the reality remains that these tactics are still being exploited today. Everyday we see people of influence use their powers to sell questionable agenda.
It is estimated that the effects of World War II led to the deaths of over 85 million people, and if the war had not come to an end following the suicide of Adolf hitler, who was the leader of the Nazis, many more would have died.
This is a classic example of how a compelling narrative matched with immense influence can completely change the world, either for good, or bad.
Nowadays conversations around influence are often trivial, focusing on the value of visibility, but at its core, influence resonates deeper than at face value. And many forget that influence is a key make up of how our world, our reality is shaped.
It’s bigger than who influences the clothes we wear or the food we eat. It’s bigger than what we watch or listen to. Influence rationalises the way we think and it is even more powerful because most times you can’t trace its root cause.
A recent study by renowned economist Matthew Gentzkow, showed that fabricated stories favoring Donald Trump were shared a total of 30 million times, nearly quadrupling the number of pro-Hillary Clinton shares leading up to the 2016 US elections. His study also shows that the most widely circulated stories were shared by well meaning Americans who believed these false narratives and became advocates for the message carried in these stories.
It is almost ironic that the leadership of the world was most likely shaped by the impact of false narratives. And this is the reality of the world we live in now. From Washington to Kigali; from London to Beirut. From Johannesburg to Abu Dhabi. We are facing a crisis of misinformation and leadership, engineered by people, platforms and places of strong influence. At a time when the world is in desperate need for great leadership, we are instead drowning in fake news and propaganda.
Look closer to home and you will see another depiction of influence in its devastating form. If you’d stroll through the Rwandan capital, Kigali, today, you’ll encounter well-kept streets, new skyscrapers and business centers — a modern city. And yet, 26 years ago, these same streets throughout the country — were lined with hundreds of thousands of corpses. It has been a quarter century since nearly 1 million people, most of them from the Tutsi minority group, were massacred in Rwanda in the space of a few months.
It took a long time for the massacre to be recognized as a genocide against the Tutsis, and for the world to say that it would “never again” look the other way. You would wonder why something so obvious would be hard to see. Why did it take the world a long time to recognise the genocide?
History often tells the story of how Hutu extremists carried out plans to wipe out the Tutsis. But how was a message of hate able to travel across the country, so much so that one man had no qualms in ending the life of his fellow countryman?
And yet, the world continues to look away every day. Not in Rwanda. But in Yemen, Congo, Myanmar, South Sudan, and even in Nigeria. It’s not always conspicuous mass killings. Instead, many smaller attacks occur on a daily basis, and they’re largely ignored.
It isn’t our fault that we have become pawns in this chess game, but while we may lack the power, we must never underestimate our will. We all have a duty to help people, companies and governments communicate more honestly and responsibly. Governments and organisations need to be more deliberate about what they say, when they say and how they say it. More importantly, we all must be willing to hold them accountable, with an understanding of the impact and influence that we have collectively.
We can’t compel or force people to be and do better. But as we enter the age of influence, there’s no better time to begin discussing and activating the resources that will drive us towards the kind of leadership we so badly need. The kind of direction we need for our lives, for our families, for our nations and for the world.
It’s the reason the Global Day of Influence may be the single most important day in the year. The first ever day of Influence is slated for November 22, 2020, and global media and public relations company, BHM has championed this day as a reminder of not only the influence that we all have but also a reminder of just how impressionable we all are.
Influence, like energy, cannot be destroyed, and we exist in an ecosystem that fosters a culture of influencing and influencers. From the local retailer who got everyone hooked on a new drink because she refused to ice the alternatives, to the local government leader who has convinced the artisans around that Corona Virus is a conspiracy, to even the teachers who speak to hundreds of kids every day and to the slay queens who have millions of followers on Instagram. We are all part of this culture, and we have a duty to not only be influenced, but also to cause the change we want to see in the world with our own influence, regardless of how big or small it may be.
If history is any indicator, then we can expect the world to remain divisive. Humans will always be creatures with varied opinions on a plethora of topics. Hence, the world will ultimately be shaped by the most influential people.
Nelson Mandela had seen it all in his lifetime. He had experienced the hate, the pain, the redemption and the honor of being the man to liberate South-Africa from apartheid.
However his take on racism is somewhat eye-opening. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.”
Mandela always understood the power of propaganda, the strength of a narrative, and the power of influence to either create or destroy.
The odds may be stacked against us but with a collective resolve, we have a chance to create a world in which the truth is not subjective, a world where propaganda is a thing of the past. It will not be easy, but with each Global Day of Influence, we will lay the foundation of the future that we so desperately need.
And to those who think it is impossible to see a world where influence is only blessing and never a curse. Remember, it was Mandela who once said – “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Abba Aliyu, the Chief Executive Officer, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), says the agency has provided electricity access to about eight million Nigerians out of the 90 million people said to be without electricity supply.
He stated that the electricity provision was made under the Nigeria Electrification Project in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to close the energy deficit gap. He added that the agency planned to ensure that many more Nigerian benefit from the scheme in 2025.
Aliyu said: “There are reports that many Nigerians don’t have access to electricity. But under the Nigeria Electrification Project, we have provided electricity to eight million Nigerians. We also have a programme that is targeting 17.5 million people. So, in three years 17.5 million people will also be out of darkness.
“We are currently working on deploying 42 interconnected mini-grids, and six have already been completed in Osun, Plateau, Cross River, and Niger State. “We are moving away from the traditional concept of government issuing contracts. What we are doing is incentivising the private sector to deploy infrastructure.
This ensures sustainability because they have their own money at stake.” He added: “It is a myth to continuously think that government infrastructure is deployed and not working. The projects we are deploying, more especially those under the private sector, are working.
“Part of the discussion during the President’s visit to Japan was a $190m co-financing agreement with JICA for the distributed access programme. That will provide electricity to an additional 1.83 million Nigerians.
“Before this administration, the country only had 120 megawatts of solar assembly capacity. Today, we have over 600 megawatts, and with new projects signed, Nigeria will soon hit close to three gigawatts. This shows that dependence on imported panels is being reversed.”
Exhibitors at the recently concluded Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia have lauded the event as a transformative platform for showcasing Nigerian non-oil exports and businesses on the global stage.
Hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc in collaboration with AFRICON from September 18 to 20, 2025, FNITCC brought together innovative, export-ready Nigerian enterprises across diverse sectors—including fashion, arts, manufacturing, and technology—creating a vibrant space for commerce, connection, and cultural celebration.
Praised for its energy and flawless execution, FNITCC Atlanta 2025 marked a significant leap forward from previous editions. With increased attendance, enhanced booth setups, and deeper engagement, participants described the experience as “a clear step up” and “more impactful than ever.”
“It was an honor to exhibit among such a vibrant community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors. We left FNITCC 2025 with new customers, meaningful connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. Well done to Fidelity Bank for championing Nigerian businesses and bridging global markets,” shared the By Nuga Designs team.
Exhibitors also highlighted the power of community and resilience, recounting moments of spontaneous international deals and heartfelt support.
“Last year, I was devastated when our goods didn’t arrive on time,” one exhibitor recalled. “But this year, even in my absence, my fellow AWE sisters stepped in. A surprise visit from a buyer led to an impromptu video-call deal that changed everything. FNITCC reminded me that connections often matter more than sales.”
Gratitude flowed freely for the Fidelity Bank team and the behind-the-scenes contributors who ensured the event’s success.
“On behalf of FSGF AFRICA LTD, I extend our deepest gratitude to Fidelity Bank for hosting such a wonderful event,” said another exhibitor. “To the Fidelity team—your warmth, professionalism, and commitment made this experience truly remarkable.”
FNITCC 2025 also celebrated Nigerian excellence and the rising influence of women-led businesses.
“Wow! Sisters online, making the impossible possible! This is the Africa we want. Nigerians are believing in Made-in-Nigeria products—and that belief is powerful,” shared one emotionally moved participant.
“Fidelity is carving out a big slice in Nigeria’s story of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship—and doing it with focus,” added another.
Reflecting on the vision behind FNITCC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to expanding Nigeria-U.S. trade beyond oil. She noted that while Nigeria’s non-oil exports currently stand at under $5 billion annually, the potential is immense. “At Fidelity Bank, we believe access to global markets is a pathway to shared prosperity. That belief inspired the creation of FNITCC,” she said.
FNITCC 2025 demonstrated that when Nigerian innovation meets global opportunity, extraordinary outcomes follow. As Fidelity Bank continues to invest in platforms that amplify local talent and drive cross-border growth, the future of Nigerian enterprise shines brighter than ever.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
BlackHouse Media (BHM) in partnership with Allison Worldwide, and The King’s Trust Group has announced the stellar line-up of speakers for the second edition of the exclusive Africa Breakfast Conversations (ABC), taking place on Friday, 26 September 2025 at the World Trade Center, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).
Headlining the event is an exclusive fireside chat featuring one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede — Chairman of Access Bank, CEO of Coronation Group, and a member of The King’s Trust Africa Advisory Board. Aig-Imoukhuede, one of Africa’s most respected bankers and investors, and his session will focus on Africa’s Investment Landscape, exploring high-impact investment opportunities, bridging African entrepreneurs to global capital, and unlocking Africa’s youth as an investment engine.
Under the theme “African Innovation: Building Together for Sustainable Development,” this high-level gathering will unite influential voices from business, government, technology, media, and philanthropy to explore how African-led innovation and cross-sector partnerships can fast-track progress toward the UN SDGs.
The 2025 edition features high-level conversations, including a panel titled, Generation Potential — Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access & Opportunity. This panel session will feature bold conversation on fueling Africa’s future through nutrition, education, and opportunity and will feature the following panelists:
- Wawira Njiru, Founder & CEO, Food4Education; delivering 500,000+ daily subsidised school meals in Kenya while building local supply chains and creating jobs for youths and women.
- Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; equipping 800,000+ rural youth with life skills, leadership training, and job readiness training to accelerate classroom learning and develop future leaders, confident job seekers and innovative entrepreneurs.
- Abeiku Greene, Outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; preparing over 200,000 youth for the future of work through financial literacy and entrepreneurship education.
- Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International, advancing education, youth enterprise development, technical vocational skills training, and community empowerment to create sustainable impact across West and East Africa.
The panel will be moderated by Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide and one of ABC’s hosts.
Panel two will focus on Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI & Finance, exploring how Africa’s tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global influence. This will be led by leading industry experts and business leaders including:
- Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa; co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela, catalysing Africa’s tech start-up economy.
- Ayeni Adekunle, Founder & CEO, BHM; redefining modern PR and brand storytelling across Africa’s creative industries.
- Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV; building one of Africa’s fastest-growing pan-African news platforms.
- Cuppy, DJ, Philanthropist & King’s Trust Global Ambassador; championing youth empowerment and education through her global platform.
- Sonny Irosche, Senior Academic Advisor, African Studies Centre, Oxford University & AI for Business, Said Business School, providing strategic insights on AI adoption and governance in Africa.
This panel will be moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Northeast Regional Business Development Lead, Goldman Sachs.
The event will also feature the launch of the Second Edition of the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report by Allison Africa, offering actionable insights for global and pan-African businesses operating in five high-potential economies including Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“Africa’s growth story is real and the Africa Breakfast Conversations is fast becoming the go-to platform for authentic cross-sector collaboration around Africa’s development”- Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa at Allison Worldwide. “From youthful innovators to tech disruptors and global investors, the event will spark the bold ideas, partnerships, and investments that will power Africa’s next decade of growth.”
Launched in 2024 by Allison Worldwide and BHM in partnership, Africa Breakfast Conversations was created to foster meaningful dialogue between African innovators, global investors, and development leaders during UNGA. Click here to register to attend
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