Broadcasting

Trike-tor Inventor Pulls N6m Investment on Dragons Den

Published

17 years ago

September 29, 2008

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Femi Odeleye, the last entrepreneur on episode 9 of Dragon’s Den came seeking 6 million naira to invest in the manufacture and assembly of the Trike-tor, in exchange for 20% equity.

The money was essentially intended to be used as the capital to facilitate the grant of a bank loan of 54 million naira and he assured the dragons that it would be returned intact in a situation where he is not granted the 54 million naira loan by the bank.

He was able to further convince the dragons of the viability of his business, by the fact that he had also succeeded in securing a patent for the product and the patent covers the design and concept behind taking a motorcycle and converting same into a three-wheeler tractor. The fact that he already had a patent for this design was an added incentive, which drastically reduced the risk of copycats replicating his technology once the product hit the market.

The dragons all indicated interest in the business and before long, negotiations had begun. They collectively demanded for 49% equity since Awosika had observed that it would be prudent to let the entrepreneur own the controlling equity in this business. They advised Odeleye to consult with a partner or his business advisor before making up his mind to accept or reject their offer and he did so, returning to announce his acceptance.

He was grateful for having the dragons on board his business and was even more satisfied with the deal because he had controlling equity in it.

This entrepreneur incidentally, will go down in the history of Dragons Den Nigeria as the first inventor to have slain five dragons with one idea – the Trike-tor, a three-wheeler tractor. Sure the farmers who have found it difficult to afford the conventional tractors, will definitely embrace the Trike-tor as cost-effective and easy-to-maintain machinery that will generate more profits for less running cost.

Also on this episode, we saw Timothy Adeusi, a photographer who came in search of 4 million, 270 thousand naira in exchange for 20% equity to move his digital photography business forward. But he failed to convince the dragons that he had a viable unique selling point or any particular trait that would stand him out as special in the sea of digital photographers.

Olugbenga Ogbamola, another entrepreneur came to pitch Tombstones.com – an online gallery where the bereaved could immortalize the memories of their lost loved ones in virtual reality while they could also pre-order their personal virtual tombstones which will be activated the moment they die. He asked for 2 million naira in exchange for 40% equity in this virtual cemetery. But the dragons considered his idea too morbid to inspire investment and all opted out.

Four other pitchers however, had visited the den seeking various investments without been able to convince the dragons to part with their money.

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Broadcasting

NIMC rolls out Pre-Enrolment Portal for seamless NIN registration

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched the NIMC Pre-Enrolment Portal to revolutionise the National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment process, enabling applicants within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to capture biodata online prior to biometric verification at enrolment centres.

NIMC

Accessible via penrol.nimc.gov.ng, the platform allows users to fill enrolment forms, schedule appointments, upload supporting documents securely, and manage personal details directly, thereby slashing congestion, minimising wait times, boosting data accuracy and enhancing overall service efficiency at centres nationwide.

NIMC Director-General and CEO, Engr. (Dr) Abisoye Coker-Odusote, spearheaded the initiative as part of the Commission’s technology-driven strategy to fortify institutional performance, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda that emphasises digital transformation, efficient public service delivery and inclusive national development.

Dr Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, highlighted key benefits including simplified biodata handling, confidential data protection through robust security measures, reduced physical centre visits and heightened operational effectiveness, urging all prospective enrollees to adopt the portal for a faster, citizen-friendly experience.[conversation_history]

The move underscores NIMC’s mandate under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007 to manage the National Identity Database, issue NINs and foster a reliable digital identity ecosystem vital for national planning, with users advised to complete pre-enrolment online before heading to selected centres for biometrics.

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Broadcasting

MultiChoice Talent Factory Calls for Entries Into Fully Funded Film Training Programme

Published

4 days ago

December 17, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a Pan-African film and television training institution, has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 intake.

MultiChoice

The fully funded programme is open to African graduates aspiring to become directors, filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers and storytellers.

According to MultiChoice, the nine-month accredited curriculum combines online learning with intensive in-person training, and is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical immersion.

MTF academies are located in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia, and serve aspiring filmmakers from 14 African countries. Since its inception in 2018, the initiative has trained 296 filmmakers, with graduates producing more than 42 movies aired on DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms.

Organisers said alumni of the programme have gone on to establish over 50 production companies, while many continue to work within the MultiChoice ecosystem.

Graduates have also won accolades at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Kalasha Awards, Uganda Film Festival and Women in Film Awards.

Applications for the 2026 intake close on Feb. 27, 2026. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/3XW53oE for programme requirements.

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Broadcasting

Davido, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Karl Toriola, Others To Be Honoured At The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards In Lagos

Published

6 days ago

December 15, 2025

Ugo Onwuaso

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Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) is excited to announce the Lagos Diaspora Experience 2025, a week-long celebration of African art, culture, innovation, and connection, culminating in the End of the Year Awards & Celebration on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Most Influential People of African Descent Awards

This historic occasion marks the first time the world-famous Most Influential 100 Recognition & Awards Ceremony—traditionally held in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)—will be hosted in Lagos, Nigeria.

The week will feature events such as Diaspora Day at the Fela Exhibition (Afrobeat Meets Diaspora), Cultural Heritage Day, and Business Leadership Luncheons, all culminating in the awards celebration.

The evening will honor the Best & Brightest of the Year, recognizing exceptional individuals and institutions whose work has advanced Global African Achievement and Black Excellence across business, government, media, culture, and technology.

Key Recognitions for 2025
– Governor of the Year & City of the Year: His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, honored alongside Lagos as City of the Year for its global leadership in culture, innovation, tourism, and diaspora engagement.

– Her Excellency Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, will be honoured as Minister of the Year for her contribution to the creative economy’s role in nation branding and cultural diplomacy.

– Most Influential Woman of the Year: Olorì Atúwàtse III, Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom

– Most Influential Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, OANDO

– CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; who will deliver a keynote address, recognized for his transformative leadership and impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and digital economy.

Others include; Karl Toriola of MTN as CEO of the year, Uche Pedro of Bella Naija as Lifestyle Personality Of The Year, Ojy Okpe of Artise News as Most Influential News Anchor Of The Year, Stephanie Busari as Media Executive of the Year, Kayode Okikiolu as Pressman of the year, Davido as Artist of the year and several others.

In celebrating this year’s honorees, Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, owners of Martell Cognac, who emerged as Brand Of The Year expressed deep appreciation for the brand’s continued global recognition, saying: “It’s a great reward for the team who’s delivered Martell excellently in Nigeria over the years.

“We say thank you to the teams, we say thank you to our consumers and we say thank you to MIPAD.

“Martell has a lot of promising experiences in the years to come in Nigeria and with this we invite you over to Nigeria to experience Detty December”.

The ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 Honorees, alongside past Nigerian honorees who were unable to attend their year of recognition in New York.

“For the first time, we’re bringing our world-famous recognition platform home to celebrate excellence within the Global Africa Family — right here in Lagos,” said Kamil Olufowobi, Founder & Chairman of MIPAD. “This is more than an event; it’s a movement uniting the best of us — connecting, collaborating, and working together to change the world.”

Event Details
📍 Lagos, Nigeria
– Friday, Dec 19 – #DettyDec Diaspora Day at Fela Exhibition FREE