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.”
A recent study – Nigeria’s Credit Landscape Report 2025 – has revealed a striking paradox in the nation’s financial ecosystem, revealing that while more Nigerians are becoming financially included, only about 6% of adults currently access credit through formal financial institutions.
Published by Credit Direct in June 2026, the report highlights that although more than 64% of Nigerian adults are financially included, formal credit penetration remains significantly low. Credit to the Nigerian private sector stands at just 13.1% of GDP, well below peer African economies such as Kenya and South Africa. The findings point to persistent barriers to credit access for households, entrepreneurs and small businesses, despite improving economic conditions and growing business activity across key sectors of the economy.
The report also notes that Nigeria’s real sector recorded sustained expansion throughout 2025, with manufacturing, services and agriculture posting positive growth indicators, creating increased demand for working capital and business financing.
Reacting to the findings, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc said the report reinforces the urgent need for a more holistic approach to financial inclusion, one that combines access to finance with savings, insurance protection and long-term financial planning.
The leading insurer noted that while access to credit remains important for economic growth, financial protection mechanisms are equally essential in helping individuals and businesses withstand economic shocks.
Through its diverse portfolio of solutions, Mutual Benefits continues to provide Nigerians with tools to build, preserve and protect wealth. These include education-focused protection plans, life assurance products, savings-oriented solutions, motor and property insurance and business protection products designed to safeguard livelihoods and future goals.
According to the Managing Director, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Femi Asenuga: “The conversation around financial inclusion must go beyond opening bank accounts and accessing loans. True financial empowerment is achieved when individuals and businesses can access financing opportunities while also protecting their income, assets, families and future aspirations from unforeseen risks.
“For many Nigerian families and business owners, a single unexpected event such as a medical emergency, fire incident, business disruption or loss of income, can erase years of financial progress. This is why insurance and disciplined savings remain critical pillars of long-term financial resilience.”
The report further reveals that Microfinance Banks account for only 5.4% of Nigeria’s total loan book, underscoring the need for stronger support for SMEs and underserved communities that often struggle to access conventional bank financing.
As part of its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, Mutual Microfinance Bank continues to deliver accessible financing solutions tailored to the needs of small businesses, traders, salary earners, entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises across Nigeria. As at December 31, 2025, the Bank had disbursed loans totaling N1.372 billion, further strengthening access to formal credit for individuals and businesses across its target segments. This growth trajectory continued into 2026, with the loan portfolio rising to N1.558 billion by the end of Q1 2026, reflecting sustained momentum in supporting productive economic activity
Asenuga added: “Small businesses remain the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, yet many continue to face significant barriers in accessing affordable financing. Through Mutual Microfinance Bank, we are helping to bridge this gap by providing flexible financial solutions that enable entrepreneurs to grow, create jobs and contribute meaningfully to economic development.
“At the same time, we encourage individuals and businesses to think beyond borrowing by adopting a culture of saving, risk management and financial protection. Sustainable prosperity is built not only by generating income but also by protecting it.”
With economic activity expected to strengthen further and demand for financing projected to increase across several sectors, Mutual Benefits believes that the future of financial inclusion in Nigeria will depend on creating an ecosystem where access to credit, savings and protection work together to improve financial well-being.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerians through innovative insurance solutions and accessible financial services that empower individuals, families, and businesses to build resilience, pursue opportunities confidently, and achieve lasting financial security.
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is one of Nigeria’s leading insurance companies with over 30 years of experience in providing reliable and innovative life and non-life insurance solutions to individuals, families and businesses. Through innovation, customer-centricity and a commitment to financial inclusion, the company continues to deliver value, protection and peace of mind to customers across Nigeria.
On its part, Mutual Microfinance Bank is committed to expanding access to financial services for individuals, micro-enterprises and small businesses through innovative savings products, accessible financing solutions and customer-focused banking services that promote economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
General News
Trashverse Recycling Technology Emerges Winner as MTN’s The Gathering on 100 Pitchathon Concludes with N5m Awarded in Aba
MTN Nigeria has successfully concluded the Aba leg of its youth cultural and creative movement, The Gathering on 100. The 18-hour event marks a significant milestone for entrepreneurship in Eastern Nigeria.
The event, which took place at the Prime Time Event Centre in Osisioma from June 14 to 15, 2026, transformed the venue into a tech hub for young innovators in Aba.
The Pitchathon had 10 standout startups compete for a total prize pool of ₦5 million. The competition showcased the immense potential of Aba’s youth, encouraging them to live life to the fullest through technological and creative excellence.
The participating startups, representing a cross-section of Aba’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem, impressed judges with solutions ranging from logistics to artisanal tech. Among the finalists were Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited founded by Charles Ikechukwu, Yadah Food, founded by Deborah Enyinnaya and Utytrends Global Ventures led by Utibe Akwa.
After a rigorous evaluation by judges Chiemela Anosike, Dr. Chime Chimezie-Uche, and Justina Nwokedi, the winners were officially announced. Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited, led by Charles Ikechukwu, claimed the first-place prize of ₦2.5 million.
Ikechukwu, founder of Trashverse Recycling Technology Limited, shared his excitement “Winning this pitchathon is a dream come true for our team. The support from The Gathering on 100 and MTN validates our vision and provides the financial backing we need to scale our production and serve more customers in Aba and the global stage.”
Utytrends Global Ventures secured the second-place prize of ₦1.5 million, while Yadah Food took home ₦1 million. These founders showcased solutions that blended local ingenuity with scalable technological frameworks, reinforcing Aba’s reputation as a powerhouse of Nigerian manufacturing and entrepreneurial spirit.
The Gathering on 100’s Pitchathon provided a platform for these early-stage founders to validate their business ideas before an audience of investors and industry stakeholders. For the winners, the funding serves as a catalyst to scale their operations and fulfill market demands, effectively bridging the gap between innovative concepts and industrial-scale production.
Reflecting on the Pitchathon, the Regional Manager, Operations, Southern Region, MTN Nigeria, Ifeanyichukwu Odom, said “Aba has always been a city of creators, innovators, and dreamers. Today, we witnessed young people expressing their passions across business, creativity, culture, and technology. The Gathering is about giving them a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
She noted that the Pitchathon had showcased the depth of talent and innovation emerging from the region, with participants presenting solutions capable of creating meaningful impact in their communities. “The Pitchathon winners made one thing clear, the Eastern Nigeria startup ecosystem is not waiting to be discovered. It is already forming, and it is ready when structure and support meet ambition. Through the power of connectivity and digital innovation, MTN remains committed to helping young Nigerians unlock their potential and Live It 100.”
This Aba edition built on the momentum of the Lagos edition held at the National Stadium, Surulere, in April, where eight startups received ₦45 million in funding. With its Aba execution, MTN has deepened access to opportunity and visibility for the next generation of business leaders.
Dominion Consultancy Concepts has officially announced the second edition of the KidsCook Showdown, a unique educational and creative cooking competition designed to foster leadership, teamwork, creativity and accountability among children ages 6 to 8.
Following its successful debut in 2025, this latest edition marks a significant milestone by securing the official approval of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB). For the first time, the initiative will shine a spotlight on public education, featuring 20 children within the ages of 6 to 8 years old, selected from 10 public primary schools across the Kosofe Local Government Area.
The KidsCook Showdown is far more than a typical cooking contest. Under the close guidance of professional chefs, the young participants will work in teams to tackle fun, high-energy culinary challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on the final dish, a panel of judges will evaluate the children on essential life skills: teamwork, confidence, time management, communication, and hygiene.
Speaking about the vision behind the program, Enitan Tanimowo, Director of Dominion Consultancy Concepts, emphasised the importance of introducing children to household chores early.
“Our goal is to inspire children to see cooking not just as a chore, but as a fun, creative way to develop themselves, learn discipline, and build confidence and these skills help them into the future,” Tanimowo stated.
“By expanding into our public schools with LASUBEB’s vital support, we are ensuring that children from all backgrounds get an equal opportunity to develop leadership and accountability in a structured, inspiring environment.”
Tanimowo added that the initiative directly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education)—by using hands-on, practical learning to promote balanced nutrition and social development. The event is bringing together parents, teachers, and professionals to champion the next generation.
The grand scale of this edition is made possible through the robust corporate and media backing of industry-leading brands. This year’s KidsCook Showdown is proudly supported by Zuri Seasoning, Ribena, Channels TV, Integrated Indigo Limited, and other partners committed to youth development and impactful community engagement in Nigeria.
Together, these partners are helping transform the kitchen into a classroom where future leaders are shaped, one recipe at a time.
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